Week 12-13 : Melissa Purner

The Garden of Earthly delight was completed by Bosch in the Netherlands between 1503-1504.  Bosch was at the height of his work and the triptych was believed to have been his most ambitious work.  The subject was very biblical and illustrates various points in the history of mankind according to the Christian values held at the time of the completion.  When the triptych is closed it shows the Earth during creation.  The inner scenes have an almost surrealist like quality about them, which was innovative for the time of its creation.  It features a blend of magical elements with the history of Christianity according to the bible.  I tend to agree with the view that the work is a warning against lust.  That the symbolic and mystical creatures are overwhelming, thus skewing the view of right from wrong.  The consequences, including the depicted damnation, are evil and lead to eternal damnation.  The triptych begins with the creation of Adam and Eve to the torments of hell.  The center illustrates a world that is completely engulfed in sinful pleasures.