Bosch is mostly known for his painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” Most of his works contain illustrations of religious concepts and stories. While he was living, his work was collected in the Netherlands, Austria, and Spain.

“Eccentric and secret genius he was. He not only moved the heart but scandalized it into full awareness."

The Haywain Triptych

There are only 25 surviving works that are attributed to the artist. He left behind no written records or diaries. Bosch came from a family of painters, including his grandfather, father, and uncles, all of whom are recorded as working in the area Hertogenbosch.

I’ve seen Heironymous's painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” in person, and it is amazing.  What was Bosch thinking when he painted this triptych?

There is a story going on here, it depicts the surreal world that ranges from pleasure to horror. It’s almost like Heironymous took a peek into the future and then painted it. It’s bizarre with it’s creatures and machines that almost look like something out of a movie.

The triptych was most likely meant to be read from left to right.  The outer panel shows God introducing Eve to Adam and the right panel shows the torture of hell. The center, and the panel we know today is why it’s called The Garden of Earthly Delights. This panel shows the temptations we face on this earth. So when you read it from left to right you can see how man was created, lived and then failed due to  his own behaviors.

When you close the outer shutters you can see the outside which Bosch painted with the grisaille method. That’s when the whole piece is painted in tones of gray. You see the world inside a clear globe. In the upper left corner, you can make out a tiny figure of God. Next to God you read the inscription from Psalm 33:9 reads “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded , and it stood firm.”

Owls were considered ominous, meaning danger coming. There are about 27 owls in his painting. This triptych is so complex and detailed there is so much to discover.

Many artists have taken inspiration from Bosch. The surrealist one of them being Salvador Dali, who took much inspiration from him and you can see that clearly in his work.

What do you think of the Bosch paintings? What inspiration can you take from Heironymous Bosch?