Painting on the cusp of the medieval and Renaissance worlds, Hieronymus Bosch (1450–1516) continues to fascinate with his fantastic imagery and densely symbolic compositions. Though little is known about the background of this Netherlandish painter, his works seem to express both the spiritual dilemmas of his generation and to exist in a timeless world of his own.
His most famous painting, The Garden of Earthly Delights, has been interpreted in myriads of ways, none of them mutually exclusive. So have many of Bosch’s other works, which offer countless imaginative perspectives on human foibles and temptations, with rare hints at the possibility of salvation.
Even after decades of research and close examination, many of his masterpieces remain as perplexing as they probably appeared to their original viewers. Art historian Aneta Georgievskia-Shine discusses ways of approaching the unique vision of reality and human nature contained within Bosch’s painted worlds.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
