Otros ojos para ver el Prado: El Jardín de las delicias, de El Bosco

Summary

In this discussion, an art expert describes the mysterious nature of Hieronymus Bosch's painting, 'The Garden of Earthly Delights.' The painting, a popular attraction at the Prado Museum, features a triptych format typically used for religious purposes, yet it belongs to a private collection. The speaker explains Bosch's complex symbolism, referencing themes of creation, desire, and the natural world, along with various biblical and mythical allusions. The conversation also touches on Darwin’s theory of evolution, connecting it to the painting's portrayal of humanity’s development, while highlighting the painting’s philosophical depth and its enigmatic allure.

Takeaways

• 🖼️ The painting by Bosch is mysterious and complex, with many unknowns surrounding its meaning.
• 🏛️ The painting is very popular at the Prado Museum, often compared to 'Las Meninas' in terms of visitor attention.
• 🖌️ Bosch was a successful painter from a small town in Holland, known for his work with the elite and aristocracy in Brussels.
• 🎨 The painting is a triptych, but not intended for a church; it was created for a private collection, possibly for a prince in Brussels.
• 🌍 The outer image of the closed triptych shows God creating the world, depicting the third day of creation according to the Bible, featuring a flat disk surrounded by water.
• 🌳 The left panel shows the Garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve, referencing the original sin and foreshadowing the crucifixion of Christ.
• 👁️ The central panel portrays a chaotic scene filled with strange details, focusing on lust and desire, symbolized by young women and men engaging in various activities.
• 🤔 Many elements in the painting are difficult to interpret, and there is no clear focal point, making it hard to know where to look.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The characters in the central panel are surrounded by animals, symbolizing that their lives are ruled by passion rather than reason.
• 🌀 The speaker suggests a metaphorical interpretation of the painting, linking it to different phases of the universe's evolution and Darwin's theory of evolution.