Saintly Solitude Tatty Culley The COVID-19 lockdown situation is undoubtedly trying. Suddenly, we are all involuntary hermits, living in mandatory isolation from the world outside our own household. Below I have collected together a few helpful tips on how to successfully survive solo isolation, taking inspiration from hermit saints found in Medieval and Renaissance art.
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1. Purchase a lion:
2. Brush up on your musical talents:
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Saint Jerome is often painted living alone in the wilderness, accompanied only by a friendly lion. Jerome won the friendship of his lion when he removed a thorn from his paw. I have found bribing a lion with Pedigree Chum also does the trick. Purchasing, or even borrowing, a lion will give you a loyal (and agreeably silent) companion to keep you going through solitary confinement. Garden desirable. Bonus: taking your lion out for a walk on his leash will ensure all passers-by keep strictly to the suggested two metre distancing rule.
St Anthony Abbot is often painted with a bell which he used to ward off evil spirits. Though bell ringing has not been proven to ward off the coronavirus, music is proven to reduce anxiety and bell ringing can be endless fun! Tip: you might lose favour with your neighbours, but fear not – you can’t see them anyway!
“St Jerome in the Desert” by Giovanni Bellini, c.1450 Egg tempera on panel, 44 x 39 cm Barber Institute, Birmingham
“St. Anthony the Abbot holding a book and two bells leaning on a tau-cross” - Unknown Pen and ink wash, V&A Image source: V&A
