Bosch Sculptures

The Tree Man

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Tree Man
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. The most iconic Bosch sculpture. Figure from The Garden of Earthly Delights, the incredible and possibly most famous work by medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch.

Included: Full color card with image of original artwork. Description card about artist and artwork. Both cards are in four languages.

Many recognize a self-portrait in one of Bosch's most famous hybrid creatures. The hollow space in the egg-shaped body offers space for a pub. All breaks adrift through the two boats in which the tree-shaped paws are situated. Music and dance may have lead to licentiousness, symbolised by the bagpipes on the headwear.

Knight and Mermaid

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Knight and Mermaid
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© Parastone Mouseion (JB14)

Superb. Figure derived from The Garden of Earthly Delights.

The figure which is enveloped in a suit of armour, allows himself to be seduced by the mermaid, which was the ultimate symbol of seduction during the Middle Ages.

The Pig

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
The Pig
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© Parastone Mouseion (JB22)

Superb. Figure derived from The Garden of Earthly Delights.

The pig, indeed an indictment against the decay of clergy life, is tempting the man who is sitting beside him and it appears that he is drawing up a contract. Is the man possibly selling his soul?

Devil on Night Chair

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Devil on Night Chair
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. One of the most striking figures from The Garden of Earthly Delights.

It is presumed that Bosch had knowledge of the Visio Tungdali, a twelfth century text describing a journey through hell. This Devil is crowned with a cauldron, symbolising the diabolical inferno fire. He is sat on a night chair, which offers him the possibility of excreting the gorged souls. His curious footwear in the shape of pitchers symbolises dipsomania.

Ears with Knife

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Ears with Knife
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. Figure from The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Two enormous ears, held together by an arrow and a knife jammed in between. Is there an allegorical medieval symbolism behind this, or are the horrible tortures one might expect in hell pictured here once more? Is the monogram on the knife an M or a B of Bosch? Maybe we will never know what Bosch had between his ears when he was painting this picture. But for me that is the magic of Bosch: nobody knows for sure what the hell he actually meant.

Choir's Devil

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Choir's Devil
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. Figure from Saint John the Evangelist at Patmos.

The Virgin Mary makes a heavenly appearance to St. John the Evangelist in one of the paintings completed by Hieronymus Bosch in his later years. It is calmer than Garden of Earthly Delights but still contains a noteworthy character, The Choir's Devil, at lower right.

This theatrical black freak could be a Tytinillus. This spy kept an eye on the clergymen who were members of the choir. If the gentlemen didn't keep their minds on the lesson or if they let their thoughts wander off into undesired directions, then, on Judgment Day, they were confronted with the accurate notes of this spectacled bookkeeper. What his plans were with the hook remains open to question. This instrument was normally used by the devil to drag sinful souls into hell.

Witches' Kitchen

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Witches' Kitchen
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. Figure derived from Last Judgement, the masterful and famous work by Late Gothic medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch.

Included: Full color card with image of original artwork. Description card about artist and artwork. Both cards are in four languages.

This sculpture adaptation, The Witches' Kitchen, from Bosch's Last Judgement painting is taken from the central panel on the left side which illustrates a diabolic tavern. People are being cooked, smoked, put through mincing machines, squeezed, fried and roasted on the spit. In this witches' kitchen, sinners are subjected to the 'Judicium Extremum' of the Supreme Judge. The punishment reflects the nature of the sins committed, in this case indulgence and gluttony.

Saint Anthony on Flying Frog with Rats

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Saint Anthony on Flying Frog with Rats
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. Figure from The Temptation of Saint Anthony.

Included: Full color card with image of original artwork. Description card about artist and artwork. Both cards are in four languages.

On the left panel of the triptych, The Temptation of Saint Anthony, the Saint is carried away after he has been battered by the devil. In the sacred story he is once again assaulted and tossed high into the air by the devils. Poor Anthony here lies praying on a flying frog, whilst he is being besieged by devils in wolves clothing. The frog appears on the painting as an androgynous symbol several times.

Paradise Fountain

HIERONYMUS BOSCH

Hieronymus Bosch
Paradise Fountain
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© Parastone Mouseion

Superb. Figure derived from The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Included: Full color card with image of original artwork. Description card about artist and artwork. Both cards are in four languages.

This splendid exotic fountain is situated amidst a blissful paradisiacal scene. Its design is alienating, almost extraterrestrial. In the hole, placed exactly in the middle of the left panel, we can see an owl as a contemplative central figure. Placed in the forefront, Christ introduces Adam to his future wife. Bosch must have subsequently wondered whether, looking at the right panel, this was such a smart idea.