Depicting a dramatic event in an extremely vivid impression, this rare Hieronymus Bosch The Last Judgment (Triptych center panel) impression exhibits the imaginative use of the figure by Bosch with detailed creatures of his own creation.

The extremely rare engraving is a very good impression of this extremely scarce print. Only one impression of this work that has come for sale in the last 20 years was also a 2nd state impression and that one of one that sold May 1998 for $79,500! This work is Documented in Hollstein 7 as well as Riggs 17.

Walter S. Gibson discussed this subject matter in his book, Hieronymus Bosch,

"While sin and folly occupy a prominent place in Bosch's art, their significance can be fully appreciated only within the context of a larger medieval theme, the Last Judgment. The Day of Judgment marks the final act of the long, turbulent history of mankind which began with the Fall of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from Eden." (Gibson 49)

Full of finely intricate line work, the imagery in this piece engages the viewer with the large amount of detail and use of motion in the figures. Set on a vast landscape, this piece takes our eye to the farthest reaches of space exhibiting a high degree of depth in this work while creating constant action with the interaction of figures throughout the image. Depicting large masses of figures, Bosch uses his technical skill and mastery to create a truly engaging work.

Provenance:

Various private Collections

Artnet Listings:

A recent search using the Artnet online subscription database yields the following results for this work:

1) Swann Galleries: Thursday, May 14, 1998 [Lot 6] $79,500 (From the 2nd State)

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Hieronymus Bosch The Last Judgment (Triptych center panel) is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work):

1) Lafond, Paul, The Prints of Hieronymus Bosch, 2002, listed as plate 12 on pages 71-72.

2) De Tolnay, Charles, Hieronymus Bosch, 1966, image pictured on page 435 as plate 38.

About the Framing:

Hieronymus Bosch The Last Judgment (Triptych center panel)  is conservation framed in a Baroque hand carved frame with archival materials and museum quality. The ornate sculptural details accentuate the detailed line work in this piece and the brilliant gold of the frame compliments the contrasting tones in the image. Completed with linen wrapped mattes and a matching dark brown and gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.