Hieronymus Bosch (1505-1510 A.D.)
Garden of Earthly Delights
Oil on wood
This fantastic piece predates the surrealist movement, yet seems to be an influence upon its central theme of dream-like depictions. In the left panel of this 16th century painting, Bosch presents Christ introducing Adam to Eve in an imaginary setting which may be a representation of the Garden of Eden. This scene is continued in the central panel with many figures cavorting in an equally bizarre landscape. Most of these human-like figures are depicted in pairs or groups and the abundance of fruits, animals, and sexually-suggestive objects lends credence to the idea that this piece was meant to glorify procreation. However, the right panel depicts a hellish scene of demons and sinners which may serve as a warning against the excessiveness in the central scene.
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