Hieronymus Bosch

Hieronymus Bosch, born Jheronimus van Aken circa 1450, was a Dutch painter from Brabant. He was a leading figure of the Early Netherlandish painting school. Known as ‘the devil's painter’, he vividly portrayed fiery hell scenes and human sin. Many of his famous works are filled with dark, surreal themes. Bosch gained recognition for his fantastical and imaginative depictions of religious subjects, often painted in oil on oak wood.

Although little is known about his personal life, Bosch came from a family of painters and was likely trained in the craft by his father or uncles. In 1480, he married Aleid van de Meervenne, a wealthy woman whose financial support allowed him to focus on his art. His life coincided with a time of religious change, and his paintings often explore the consequences of sin and the hope for salvation.

One of his best-known paintings is The Garden of Earthly Delights, a large triptych that shows humanity’s fall from innocence to the punishments of hell. The painting is filled with hybrid animals, bizarre figures and otherworldly landscapes, making it one of the most famous works of medieval art.

Bosch’s work was highly sought after by religious institutions and wealthy patrons, which helped spread his fame across Europe. He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Our Lady, a religious group, which may have further influenced his focus on moral lessons in his art. His paintings often conveyed warnings about the dangers of indulgence, with the consequences shown in graphic detail.

Attribution of Hieronymus Bosch paintings has been especially difficult. Today, only about 25 paintings and eight drawings are confidently attributed to Bosch himself, while around half a dozen more are linked to his workshop. His works are held in major museums and collections worldwide, including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Though his work wasn’t fully appreciated during his lifetime, Bosch’s influence grew over the centuries. His fantastical style had a lasting impact on northern art in the 16th century, with Pieter Bruegel the Elder being his most notable follower. Later, Surrealists like Salvador Dalí were inspired by Bosch’s bold imagination. Today, Bosch is celebrated as a visionary artist whose bizarre, detailed works continue to fascinate viewers.