The Garden of Earthly Delights

Artist: Hieronymus Bosch

Media: Oil on wood

Date: c. 1503-1504

Dimensions: 220 cm. x 389 cm.

“Bosch's most famous and unconventional picture is The Garden of Earthly Delights (c.1500; Prado, Madrid) which, like most of his other ambitious works, is a large, 3-part altarpiece, called a triptych. This painting was probably made for the private enjoyment of a noble family. It is named for the luscious garden in the central panel, which is filled with cavorting nudes and giant birds and fruit. The triptych depicts the history of the world and the progression of sin. Beginning on the outside shutters with the creation of the world, the story progresses from Adam and Eve and original sin on the left panel to the torments of hell, a dark, icy, yet fiery nightmarish vision, on the right. The Garden of Delights in the center illustrates a world deeply engaged in sinful pleasures.” WebMuseum, Paris

Hieronymus Bosch was born in c. 1450. Very little is known about Bosch because he kept no records of his own life through diary and there are no letters available that could account for his life. The only records known are from his hometown, Hertogenbosch. He married in 1480 to Aleyt Goyaerts van den Meerveen. He picked up most of his painting techniques from a religious group called the Brotherhood of Our Lady. He is attributed with 25 works, none of which are dated. He died in 1516.

             
My favorite paintings have always been from the Renaissance period because they had the best depictions of what hell would look like. I find the visuals of torture in this painting to be quite entertaining because they are over exaggerated. The abnormal creatures are also enjoyable to view. This artwork fits the theme because of its representation of hell and its numerous demons.