David Rastas, Plants for Saint Anthony's Fire, 2016

Small seedlings are placed under the volksaltar of the Kirche am Steinhof as if to be used as an offering. The plants are those depicted in the Isenheim altarpiece which were used to treat people suffering from Saint Anthony’s Fire, a condition which caused horrific hallucinations, mania and psychosis. Plaintain, Buckhorn, Verbena, Long-headed poppy and Bulbous buttercup were used to treat Saint Anthony’s fire while Austrian speedwell, Cross-leaved gentian, White swallowwart and White clover were used to treat the often foul and putrid wounds that afflicted those suffering from the condition.