Bosch was truly ahead of his time. I love spending time with works like this because it reminds us that people back then were not so different to how they are now. The peculiarities, jokes, quirks and mischief in paintings like Bosch's remind us that these artists, though they lived hundreds of years ago, were still amused by similar things to us. I wonder through all the centuries, how many people have stood in front of this triptych and had a giggle, or recoiled, or just been straight up confused.
When I was in university, I found a framed print of this painting in the trash. Bosch proudly reigned above the landline table. (Yes, it was that long ago—phones were still kept on leashes, bolted to walls.)
I often wondered about the journey that poster had taken—from someone thinking, “this will sell”, to someone buying it new, then eventually tossing it out, only for it to be reborn in a proto-hipster apartment in 2004.
Wouldn't you love to sit down and have a conversation with this man? Just imagine the incredible insights as to human nature. How could he attain such understanding? What a marvelous mind and mysterious force. No one is his equal, even Bruegel. And hundreds of paintings and no writings or explanations, apparently. Thank you for this.
I love the analysis you made. The three parts are, after this, united. Also, it is the first time I see the outside, where the land and vegetation were created, which also seamlessly meshes with the contents. I had no idea about that meaning you mentioned about the gargoyles. Once again, I thank you for expanding my horizons.
The town of Den Bosch , or ‘s-Hertogenbosch, or Bois le Duc, or even Oeteldonk, is quite a wacky place itself. Maybe there’s something in the Binnendieze..
I've always found his work to be hellish. He was such a talent, though. I always know it's one of his works before learning that it is. Truly a master. Awesome post.
Nicely done. This reminds me a bit of Jennie Grillo’s fine “Daniel after Babylon”, with its discussion on how the additions shaped thoughts of the afterlife.
Excellent analysis. Been to The Prado and after Velazquez’s Las Meninas El Bosco made one of the biggest impressions on me. Excellent reflection on the gargoyles.
Dante too & Bosch would well understand one another. I defer to the Author’s expertise but I always sensed Dante’s influence upon the Triptych.
Fascinating to learn that gardens in medieval art were often used to represent lovers and illicit sexuality. That makes sense, considering their understanding that the post-edenic state, when humanity had to labor to produce its own food, was a result of lust. But why didn’t Christians instead associate gardens with Eden itself? Or heaven, as they were in Islam?
As the author of a YA time travel adventure book series, Edge of Yesterday (where the modern GenZ STEMinista and inventor crash lands in Leonardo's Florence at the dead of midnight) I know she would love to travel back to Bosch's world and find out from the artist himself how he came up with his depictions and what he meant by them.
Interesting interpretation by a man (Bosch) who obviously didn't understand the scriptures...the Garden of Eden only had plants, animals, Adam and Eve...only after the transgression of Eve did they realize their nakedness and know that they had done wrong and were cast down to their mortal, physical existence on Earth. Only then did they procreate and come to learn about the difficulties of life. Before then, they knew no evil or good, no right or wrong...they were in the state of innocence. After being beguiled by Lucifer, Adam,Eve and all mankind was now subjected to his wiles, whisperings and lies...from then until now, all mankind has the God-given knowledge of the difference between right and wrong...we all have the freedom to choose to use our moral agency one way or another. As we look around, we see the results of every voice that has been made by ourselves and others.
Masterpiece. Thanks for the analysis. On my bucket list to see it at the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Well worth it. About a thousand other masterpieces there as well.
Bosch was truly ahead of his time. I love spending time with works like this because it reminds us that people back then were not so different to how they are now. The peculiarities, jokes, quirks and mischief in paintings like Bosch's remind us that these artists, though they lived hundreds of years ago, were still amused by similar things to us. I wonder through all the centuries, how many people have stood in front of this triptych and had a giggle, or recoiled, or just been straight up confused.
Certainly I felt all those emotions and more, but it left me thoughtful, as it is so rich in depth.
Yes me too, there are so many layers of imagery and emotion in this painting
One has to wonder how such things popped into his psyche
There's a theory he worked with psilocybin at some point
When I was in university, I found a framed print of this painting in the trash. Bosch proudly reigned above the landline table. (Yes, it was that long ago—phones were still kept on leashes, bolted to walls.)
I often wondered about the journey that poster had taken—from someone thinking, “this will sell”, to someone buying it new, then eventually tossing it out, only for it to be reborn in a proto-hipster apartment in 2004.
No clue where it ended up after that.
Wouldn't you love to sit down and have a conversation with this man? Just imagine the incredible insights as to human nature. How could he attain such understanding? What a marvelous mind and mysterious force. No one is his equal, even Bruegel. And hundreds of paintings and no writings or explanations, apparently. Thank you for this.
I love the analysis you made. The three parts are, after this, united. Also, it is the first time I see the outside, where the land and vegetation were created, which also seamlessly meshes with the contents. I had no idea about that meaning you mentioned about the gargoyles. Once again, I thank you for expanding my horizons.
The town of Den Bosch , or ‘s-Hertogenbosch, or Bois le Duc, or even Oeteldonk, is quite a wacky place itself. Maybe there’s something in the Binnendieze..
I've always found his work to be hellish. He was such a talent, though. I always know it's one of his works before learning that it is. Truly a master. Awesome post.
Nicely done. This reminds me a bit of Jennie Grillo’s fine “Daniel after Babylon”, with its discussion on how the additions shaped thoughts of the afterlife.
Thanks for share, it's always good to read about Bosch and his art
Excellent analysis. Been to The Prado and after Velazquez’s Las Meninas El Bosco made one of the biggest impressions on me. Excellent reflection on the gargoyles.
Dante too & Bosch would well understand one another. I defer to the Author’s expertise but I always sensed Dante’s influence upon the Triptych.
Yes…
https://expressiveegg.substack.com/p/a-literal-hell-on-earth
Fascinating to learn that gardens in medieval art were often used to represent lovers and illicit sexuality. That makes sense, considering their understanding that the post-edenic state, when humanity had to labor to produce its own food, was a result of lust. But why didn’t Christians instead associate gardens with Eden itself? Or heaven, as they were in Islam?
As the author of a YA time travel adventure book series, Edge of Yesterday (where the modern GenZ STEMinista and inventor crash lands in Leonardo's Florence at the dead of midnight) I know she would love to travel back to Bosch's world and find out from the artist himself how he came up with his depictions and what he meant by them.
"Earthly delights," indeed!
Hell looks like Gaza.
Interesting interpretation by a man (Bosch) who obviously didn't understand the scriptures...the Garden of Eden only had plants, animals, Adam and Eve...only after the transgression of Eve did they realize their nakedness and know that they had done wrong and were cast down to their mortal, physical existence on Earth. Only then did they procreate and come to learn about the difficulties of life. Before then, they knew no evil or good, no right or wrong...they were in the state of innocence. After being beguiled by Lucifer, Adam,Eve and all mankind was now subjected to his wiles, whisperings and lies...from then until now, all mankind has the God-given knowledge of the difference between right and wrong...we all have the freedom to choose to use our moral agency one way or another. As we look around, we see the results of every voice that has been made by ourselves and others.