Hieronymus Bosch
Hieronymus Bosch was born in Hertogenbosch, Netherlands in 1450. It is largely assumed that Bosch received his early training locally. It is difficult to chronologize his works because of the forty paintings that are ascribed to him only seven are signed and none of them are dated. Little is known about Bosch’s early life as an artist, other than the fact he was the son and grandson of two accomplished painters. There is mention of him in the town records from 1486 until the time of his death, where he was acclaimed as an Insignis pictor (“a distinguished painter.”) According to these records he was presented with the task of painting multiple altarpieces in the Cathedral of his town as well as designing the stained glass windows.
Bosch remained indifferent to the trends that were becoming popular in painting during the course of his life. Most works of the time were becoming more spacious, but Bosch retained a linear and crowded style in his paintings. The majority of his works are religiously motivated, but are sermons addressing the elements of the human character. Bosch was able to explore the depths of the human mind. Bosch’s paintings are characterized by their unusual stylistic symbolism, and deep levels of symbolism, which makes interpreting his paintings a challenging task. In Bosch’s early paintings he began to display humanity’s temptation of evil. The settings are very calm and the people show expressions of ignorance, and the irrationality of the human race. His imagery during his early works remained reasonable for the most part, with only the occasionally obscene figure lurking in one of his paintings. In Bosch’s prosperous middle period he completed works such as “The Temptation of St. Anthony”, “Garden of Earthly Delights” and “Haywain” His colors are subtle and all of his figures are in motion in these works. These paintings represent an explosion of fantasy trapped in a chaotic apocalyptic world with idyllic portrayals of mankind during the age of innocence. His earliest work is probably the “Haywain” which is an allegory of the evils of the world. In this case Bosch’s symbolism has been connected to Flemish proverbs and other didactic literature. “The Temptation of St. Anthony” is regarded by some as his masterpiece. This painting is the most pessimistic of Bosch’s undertones in his works. The painting shows a world dominated by evil with the presence of the devil and his followers. The fiery scene displays Bosch’s profound ability to display a demonic landscape. The most difficult to understand piece by Bosch is the “Garden of Earthly Delights.” This work represents Bosch at his mature best. The painting displays the creation of women, the first temptation, and the fall. The main characteristic of the painting is that it posses a dreamlike sensation.
The obscure landscape, nude figures, and giant birds all come together to form a peaceful scene. Despite Bosch’s stern morals and pessimistic views, he did not fail to display the beauty of the world in his paintings. Bosch’s work is significant because he was able to use color harmonies and had an impressive ability to create imaginative stories through his work. Imitators tried to reproduce his style, but it’s uniqueness and creativity made it impossible to recreate. Because of this originality, upon his death in 1516 his art did not leave any followers. Bosch’s work demonstrated an insightful look into the depths of the human condition as well as symbols of life and creation. His work represents the beginning of a new age of art.
Bosch remained indifferent to the trends that were becoming popular in painting during the course of his life. Most works of the time were becoming more spacious, but Bosch retained a linear and crowded style in his paintings. The majority of his works are religiously motivated, but are sermons addressing the elements of the human character. Bosch was able to explore the depths of the human mind. Bosch’s paintings are characterized by their unusual stylistic symbolism, and deep levels of symbolism, which makes interpreting his paintings a challenging task. In Bosch’s early paintings he began to display humanity’s temptation of evil. The settings are very calm and the people show expressions of ignorance, and the irrationality of the human race. His imagery during his early works remained reasonable for the most part, with only the occasionally obscene figure lurking in one of his paintings. In Bosch’s prosperous middle period he completed works such as “The Temptation of St. Anthony”, “Garden of Earthly Delights” and “Haywain” His colors are subtle and all of his figures are in motion in these works. These paintings represent an explosion of fantasy trapped in a chaotic apocalyptic world with idyllic portrayals of mankind during the age of innocence. His earliest work is probably the “Haywain” which is an allegory of the evils of the world. In this case Bosch’s symbolism has been connected to Flemish proverbs and other didactic literature. “The Temptation of St. Anthony” is regarded by some as his masterpiece. This painting is the most pessimistic of Bosch’s undertones in his works. The painting shows a world dominated by evil with the presence of the devil and his followers. The fiery scene displays Bosch’s profound ability to display a demonic landscape. The most difficult to understand piece by Bosch is the “Garden of Earthly Delights.” This work represents Bosch at his mature best. The painting displays the creation of women, the first temptation, and the fall. The main characteristic of the painting is that it posses a dreamlike sensation.
The obscure landscape, nude figures, and giant birds all come together to form a peaceful scene. Despite Bosch’s stern morals and pessimistic views, he did not fail to display the beauty of the world in his paintings. Bosch’s work is significant because he was able to use color harmonies and had an impressive ability to create imaginative stories through his work. Imitators tried to reproduce his style, but it’s uniqueness and creativity made it impossible to recreate. Because of this originality, upon his death in 1516 his art did not leave any followers. Bosch’s work demonstrated an insightful look into the depths of the human condition as well as symbols of life and creation. His work represents the beginning of a new age of art.