Hieronymus Bosch [about 1450-1516] was known as one of the most popular and most intriguing artists in history. He has such profound pieces of art that still boggle the minds of modern experts. He is a wizard when it comes to symbolism. One may never understand this enigmatic characteristic man. .
Bosch was born probably in 1453 in a town known as s'Hertogenbosch. He adopted the name of this town as his own. His real name was Jheronimus Bosch. He was also known as Hieronymus Van Aeken Bosch, Hieronymus Van Aken, Jérame Bosch and El Bosco. He was married, owned a house and died at the age of sixty in 1516. He belonged to an ultra-orthodox religious church community called Brotherhood of Mary. Although little information is known about him, his work is what intrigues people to inquire more about this unique man. .
Bosch's work was a mystery, much like his life. He had an addiction to detail. His art can best be explained by the changes in Northern Europe in his day. His paintings show his battle between the declining Late Gothic style and the soon-to-be-born Mannerist style. They included the social and political upheavals, pessimism and anxieties. His work was influenced by the Flemish School of Painting, in which he felt he owed a debt. His cynical and moral messages pointed more towards later Dutch artists. Bosch's works are outrageous and reflect a concern for a changing world. .
Bosch has painted over 30 paintings. He is most well known for The Garden of Earthly Delights (c.1500 Prado, Madrid). The theme of this is creation, fall and damnation of the human race. It is painted on what is called a triptych. It displays three different scenes. The left panel shows the Garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve in the foreground and the first plants and animals scattered around. The center panel depicts the sins of the flesh in lurid and metaphorical detail. The right panel is a portrait of hell and the pains human beings must suffer for their sins.