The artwork, known as “The Garden of Earthly Delights (detail),” was created by Hieronymus Bosch between 1510 and 1515. Rendered using oil on a panel, this masterpiece is a prime example of the Northern Renaissance and is categorized under the genre of religious painting. It forms part of the series titled “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and is presently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
This detail from Bosch’s larger triptych captures a dark, enigmatic scene within the right panel, often interpreted as depicting Hell. The composition features bizarre and surreal imagery characteristic of Bosch’s allegorical and moralistic style. Central to this fragment is an oversized, anthropomorphic ear pierced by an arrow and accompanied by a knife, creating a jarring and unsettling vision. Figures engaged in various activities—climbing, falling, and fleeing—populate the scene, while flames and luminous elements in the backdrop evoke a sense of chaos and torment. The artwork masterfully combines fantastical elements with meticulous detail, evoking contemplation on themes of sin, punishment, and human folly.
