Death and the Miser – (Hieronymus Bosch) Previous Next


Artist:

Style: Renaissance

Topic: Birth And Death

Date: 1490

Size: 31 x 93 cm

Museum: National Gallery of Art (Washington, United States)

About the Artist

Hieronymus Bosch

, a Dutch painter from the late 15th and early 16th century, was known for his fantastical and imaginative works. His art often depicted moralizing themes, with a focus on human folly and sin. Today, he is considered one of the most important painters of the Northern Renaissance.

The Painting

"Death and the Miser"

is a panel painting by Hieronymus Bosch, created around 1490. It depicts the last moments in the life of a miser, just before his eternal fate is decided. The painting is believed to be the inside of the right panel of a triptych, which has since been divided and no longer exists as a whole.

Style and Symbolism

The painting is an excellent example of Bosch's unique style, characterized by its surreal and dreamlike imagery. The miser's bedroom is filled with strange creatures and objects, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. For instance, the little monster peeping out from under the bed-curtains represents temptation, while the hourglass on the wall signifies the passing of time.

Date and Location

"Death and the Miser"

was created in the late 15th century (around 1490) in Northern Europe. Today, it is part of the collection at the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique in Brussels, Belgium.

Size

The painting measures 93 x 31 cm (36 5/8 x 12 3/16 in.), making it a relatively small but highly detailed work.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that "Death and the Miser" reflects the era's preoccupation with the ars moriendi or art of dying? This genre encompassed the Seven Deadly Sins and contemplated the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell.

Bringing Art into Your Home

At Wikioo.org, we offer high-quality reproductions of famous artworks, including "Death and the Miser". Our handmade oil paintings are meticulously crafted to capture the original's beauty and detail, making them an excellent addition to any art collection. To learn more about our reproduction process or to place an order, visit our website today.

Conclusion

"Death and the Miser"

by Hieronymus Bosch is a fascinating and thought-provoking painting that showcases the artist's unique style and imaginative vision. By understanding its context, symbolism, and historical significance, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this masterpiece and the enduring power of art.

This artwork is in the public domain.

Artist

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