1483_The_Calvary_with_Donor_Bosch.txt

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Jheronimus Bosch ca. 1450 – 1516
The Calvary with Donor

oil on panel (71 × 59 cm) — ca. 1483
Museum voor Oude Kunst, Brussels

Jheronimus Bosch biography

This work is linked to John 19:25

This Bosch fits well into the iconographic tradition of the 15th century. It was not unusual for any artist to include one’s patron in their work, but for Hieronymus Bosch it was. This is one exception. The triptych Adoration of the Magi is another.

The unknown patron is in fact referred to as ‘donor’ in the title, suggesting the work was donated, presumably to a church.

The donor is seen kneeling at the foot of the Cross. To his right, Peter (with keys) seems to be introducing him to John the Evangelist, who in turn introduces him to Mary, who is praying to Jesus.

In the background the silhouette of a Brabant city is visible under a beautiful sky, in thin air. Bosch created depth by using different hues of green.