The Garden Of Earthly Delights was a triptych painting, or altarpiece created by the Dutch Renaissance artist, Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1450-1516). This oil painting on wood was a three-paneled piece, measuring 220cm ×389cm (87in ×153in), and was created between the years 1490 to 1510. It would be his best known work. It was striking in its surrealist imagery and vibrant details. Triptychs for the most part were commissioned by clergymen for village chapels or churches, and featured detailed religious tableaux, usually depicting a story from the Bible. It is believed by some art historians that the Garden was created for a private commission, possibly a rich nobleman or for a wealthy family. Because of the surrealist nature of the imagery in this piece, it is believed that it would serve as the forerunner of the surrealist art movement in the 20th Century typified by the work of Chagall, Duchamps and of course, the greatest surrealist artist in the world, Salvador Dali. Below, I’ve provided images of the piece. The work was done on wooden panels, hinged at one end so they could be closed. When closed, the panels form one painting, depicting the creation of the world. When the triptych is opened, the left panel depicts the Garden of Eden and God presenting Eve to Adam. The center panel is called The Garden of Earthly Delights and it shows nude figures, cavorting about in a garden, depicting some would say, the evolution of sin, yet there aren’t any graphic sexual imagery shown aside from the nudity. The right panel was, in my opinion, his most genius work, depicting a surreal version of Hell. Bosch’s demonstration of movement and light and dark are very evident throughout the work. There are many separate paintings within each of the larger panels, which require careful study in order to take them all in at once. It is a work of stunning beauty.
Thinking about Bosch’s work provided me of a means to see this great BA orgy scene. The entire scene is made up of numerous mini scenes. It truly becomes a feast for the eyes. I can’t share the whole scene however I can show you some screen captures of it, beginning with this post and continuing for the next several.
Enjoy taking this blissful walk in Bel Ami’s own Garden of Earthly Delights