Hieronymus Bosch

The Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch remains one of the most enigmatic figures in art history. Almost nothing is known about this life and there are only 25 paintings confidently attributed to him. Yet his fantastical, apocalyptic and highly symbolic depictions of biblical stories are among the most vivid and unforgettable pictures ever made. It is assumed that he was taught to paint by his father in Brabant, but Bosch’s style – sketchy and ‘rough’ in manner – was totally unlike the smooth perfection of fellow countrymen like Van Eyck. The meaning of his works has been vigorously debated – was his cast of grotesque demons, animals and half-human creatures meant simply to amuse the viewer? Or were they earnest morality tales that ruthlessly laid bare the sinful nature of humankind? Whatever the answer, his most famous altarpiece, The Garden of Earthly Delights, presents the final fate of fallen humanity in terrifying detail. Bruegel the Elder was his greatest follower, but Bosch’s nightmarish visions also had an unmistakable influence upon the 20th century Surrealists.