Close up of pig-nun love scene in The Garden of Earthly Delights
Another close up of The Garden of Earthly Delights
Look at the images above. What’s your first impression?
Many would assume the bizarre imagery is attributed to the widely known art movement of Surrealism. Many would also be surprised to learn that the images are actually details from a 15th century Dutch painting. That’s right, the 15th century. The painting, which is actually a triptych, was made between 1490 and 1510 by Hieronymus Bosch, an early Netherlandish master painter. The full painting looks like this: 
The Garden of Earthly Delights- Bosch
Art historians have commonly interpreted this painting with religious significance. The left panel is said to be a portrayal of Eden, the center panel a state of delight or utopia before the Fall of mankind, and the right panel a representation of Hell. Overall, the triptych has been interpreted as a warning against sin.
In recent years, Bosch and his paintings have become a sort of “cult classic” for lovers of art as well as people who are generally interested in weird things. But honestly, It’s hard not to be intrigued by this painting and all of the minute details that display an array of imagination that nobody thought possible in the 15th century.
The highlight of my past summer was being able to travel and actually see this painting in real life with my own eyes. It’s on display at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain along with other works by Bosch. However, there is no doubt that this is the central piece of the exhibit. Despite the museum not allowing for any photos to be taken anywhere in the museum, I was able to take a few illegal photographs. The museum staff were so strict about snapping photos that I even had a slight worry that they’d track me down and arrest me after I posted an instagram photo of the painting.
Art historians have commonly interpreted this painting with religious significance. The left panel is said to be a portrayal of Eden, the center panel a state of delight or utopia before the Fall of mankind, and the right panel a representation of Hell. Overall, the triptych has been interpreted as a warning against sin.
Source: DP
In recent years, Bosch and his paintings have become a sort of “cult classic” for lovers of art as well as people who are generally interested in weird things. But honestly, It’s hard not to be intrigued by this painting and all of the minute details that display an array of imagination that nobody thought possible in the 15th century.
The highlight of my past summer was being able to travel and actually see this painting in real life with my own eyes. It’s on display at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain along with other works by Bosch. However, there is no doubt that this is the central piece of the exhibit. Despite the museum not allowing for any photos to be taken anywhere in the museum, I was able to take a few illegal photographs. The museum staff were so strict about snapping photos that I even had a slight worry that they’d track me down and arrest me after I posted an Instagram photo of the painting.
Source: DP
Source: DP