'Reality Check' as directed by Hieronymus Bosch

Introduction: 

The idealization of the 'Renaissance' period of either Italian or Northern contains a certain degree of serendipity. Notable 'renaissance'  artists attempt to depict a royal, wealthy, and noble cause of the 'human spirit'. In describing the human spirit one can think of the 'renaissance' as the revival of art in all its glory through religious, economic, and societal influences. 

Retrospection:

As a student examining all the various forms of art elements of the 'renaissance' period ranging from Boticelli, Michelangelo, or even Leonardo da Vinci in the Italian renaissance then followed by the rise of Northern renaissance such as Jan Van Eyck, Albrecht Durer, and Hieronymus Bosch. Both forms of renaissance sparked a period of artistic endeavors that differed every so slightly. Attention to wealth and standards of humanistic expression were transcendent in the Italian Renaissance, the Northern Renaissance though similar in religious and humanistic examination began to focus on a wider scope of 'commonality' amongst peoples. In discussing this topic of 'commonality' I turn to Hieronymus Bosch. Bosch is an artist who I have admired for quite some time, from the course readings and lectures we have examined Bosch as a character, artist, and dissident from the official course of 'renaissance art'. Though categorized under 'renaissance' art Bosch pushes his work towards surrealism (defined as the juxtaposition of reality). Uniquely, I am drawn to Bosch's work in telling us the beauty of his artistic talents but also the deeply disturbing realities of the human flaws we are so susceptible too. Bosch innately is influencing the ways in which 'humanism' is defined in a total reversal. 

"Temptation of St. Anthony" (1501) - Example of Triptychon / Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptych_of_the_Temptation_of_St._Anthony

Analysis:

In this blog post discussing the 'renaissance' I direct your attention to Bosch's piece titled "An Allegory of Intemperance" painted from an approximate period of 1495 to 1500 in the Netherlands. An important note of the 'renaissance' art that is uniquely 'northern' per se is the usage of 'triptych' panels of paintings. In example, the Bosch piece below is a fragment paired alongside "Ship of Fools" and "Death and the Miser" which are all encompassing within a series representing sins of "pride, envy, lust, anger, and sloth" (Yale University Art Gallery).

"An Allegory of Intemperance" - Hieronymus Bosch / Source: https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/43515

 

 

 The artistic representations of Hieronymus Bosch are reminiscent of that of Pieter Bruegel. The similar color tone and 'darkness' in  the subject are parallels. Yet, it is Bosch who takes the artistic visuals a step further away from the humanism that Bruegel may be directly displaying and by Bosch metaphorically exaggerating. The inclusion of fantasy-like creatures arms and legs, the visual puns of societal lust, excess, and overuse paired alongside the potentially dangerous outcomes of such acts make Bosch's piece ideally a warning message. I see this painting and wonder if it may be just a warning sign. A mere stop-light on the yellow light telling us to slow down as the inevitable red will appear. Bosch who has the appeared nickname of the "creator of devils" (European CEO) engages us the viewers to wonder and interpret the moralistic issues society faces. It is quite evident furthermore that Bosch uses these images to evoke the personnel to question their choices. The relatedness of the 'northern' renaissance is indicative of the dramatic shift away from royalty, wealth, and excess and towards the previously mentioned 'commonality' amongst humans. It is described by some that Bosch is "inviting the layman to comb every inch; diverting, terrifying, and fascinating the eye; and, through their accretion of detail, imparting a message of human sin" (NewStatesman). Humanism is definitively a composure and expression of 'goodness' contributed to society. It is Bosch, who influences humanism and is influenced by humanism in creating the discussion around human flaw. The 'commonality' and 'reality-check' that Bosch imposes on the audience and layman proposes what one would describe as the initiating fears and confusion among the masses. Going against the grain of 'humanism' which within the renaissance is so devoutly religious and praise of the individual. Bosch deters from such forms of discussion, expressing distinct dislike of the human spirit in it's unreal mannerisms. 

 

Discussion:

 

The Bosch piece to me is quite a split from the 'beauty' and 'serendipity' of notable 'renaissance' art. This piece "An Allegory of Intemperance" is art that I would love to re-visit in a museum, in a library, or in a text. But, not something that I would have in-view in my daily life. Unfortunately, I personally am deterred by the 'reality' that we all face as life finds its ways. I feel it would be more useful or as Bosch intended to be reminded of occasionally rather than consistently. Humanism is the faith in oneself to be 'good', that is a optimistic view on life is essential. Truly, Bosch denies that existence and intends to allow us to realize the inhumane portions of our humanistic lifestyles. 

Art is dangerous. In the sense that we can be reminded of truth and also a lust for fantasy. I invite you to watch this documentary as I hope to do so if you have further interest in Bosch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zC3UuGxitU

 

 

Works Cited: 

“An Allegory of Intemperance.” An Allegory of Intemperance | Yale University Art Gallery, artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/43515.

“Hieronymus Bosch: the Mysterious Master of the Surreal.” European CEO, www.europeanceo.com/lifestyle/hieronymus-bosch-the-mysterious-master-of-the-surreal/. 

Prodger, Michael, New Statesman. How Hieronymus Bosch Defied the Ideals of an Age, 21 Mar. 2016, www.newstatesman.com/culture/art-design/2016/03/how-hieronymus-bosch-defied-ideals-age. 

Robin Urton, 4realarts.com. The Northern Renaissance, robinurton.com/history/Renaissance/northrenaiss.htm.