But public displays of devotion to God alone have not proven to propel an entire team to victory -- just ask Tim Tebow.

CNN: Who is God backing in the Super Bowl?

Like other atheistic existentialists, Mr Bowles put no store in a compassionate God, let alone the innate goodness of man.

ECONOMIST: Paul Bowles

At the top, God stands isolated in a stained-glass window and personifies the ancient Jewish belief that He was alone.

WSJ: Jan van Eyck | 'The Annunciation' | Old Subject, New Approach | Masterpiece | By Richard Cork