Visions of the Hereafter: Ascent of the Blessed
Hieronymus Bosch·1490
Historical Context
Hieronymus Bosch's Ascent of the Blessed, from the Visions of the Hereafter series (c. 1490) now in the Palazzo Grimani di Santa Maria Formosa, Venice, shows the blessed souls ascending through a dark tunnel toward a brilliant light. This panel is among Bosch's most visionary and modern-seeming images—the tunnel of light anticipates descriptions of near-death experiences by centuries. The Venetian collection history reflects Cardinal Grimani's taste for Bosch's extraordinary imagery.
Technical Analysis
Bosch creates an unprecedented image of spiritual transcendence through the dramatic light tunnel, using bold chiaroscuro contrast and his precise technique to render the ascending souls moving from darkness into brilliant divine light.
