Sir Anthony Van Dyck to illustrate UN’ statement about travellers from Ebola-affected countries

 

This panting by Anthony Van Dyck, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York, was the first image that came to our mind when we read what Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, said in a statement released by the UN with regards to the restrictions applied to travelers from Ebola-affected countries. “Returning health workers – claimed Ban – are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity. They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science. Those who develop infections should be supported, not stigmatized. ”

 

In this statement, dated 27 October, the Secretary-General also claims that “the best way for any country to protect itself from Ebola is to stop the outbreak at its source in West Africa. This requires considerable international health care worker support and in return for this support, we have an obligation to look after them”.

 

In 1624, when Van Dyck painted “Saint Rosalie Interceding for the Plague-stricken of Palermo”, the Flemish painter was in Palermo, Sicily. At that time a plague broke out and the city was quarantined. On 15 July 1624, the remains of Saint Rosalie — the city’s patroness — were opportunely discovered on Mount Pellegrino, which is visible on the background above the harbor of Palermo. It is said that Rosalia appeared to a sick woman, and then to a hunter, to whom she indicated where her remains were to be found. Thanks to the virtual presence of the Saint – her bones where taken in a procession across the city – the population of Palermo was saved from the plague. Apparently no restriction was applied to that hunter either.

November 25, 2020