" Le paradis (Jardín de las delicias) JSK" Art Column-

The meaning of the painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights" will

　 Juliette et Justine's jumper skirt Le paradis (Jardín de las delicias) is bursting with vibrant pinks, yellows, and fresh greens, giving off a playful and lively vibe. But upon closer inspection, the painting depicts over 500 naked men and women, bizarre creatures, torture devices, and an overall eerie atmosphere.  
　The creator of this artwork is the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516). Little documentation about him remains, and this has puzzled researchers in later generations. What we do know is that Bosch was born into a family of painters, achieved success, and accumulated considerable wealth.

　Regarding Bosch's painting, very little is understood about its meaning. However, it is speculated that the painting was commissioned by Count Hendrick III of Nassau, possibly as a celebration of his wedding to his wife. Yet, with all the naked men and women dancing in the painting, it seems quite strange for a wedding gift, doesn’t it? Let me explain the painting to you.

Why is this painting a "wedding celebration"?

 　First, this is a "triptych" in the Catholic Church, a set of three panels connected and displayed together, typically used as a decoration around the altar during church ceremonies.

　The left panel depicts the "Garden of Eden," where Adam and Eve are brought together by God. It seems like a fitting image for a couple about to become husband and wife. However, there's a dark pool in front of them, hinting at an ominous future.

　The central panel depicts the descendants of Adam and Eve, indulging freely in pleasures after being banished from the Garden of Eden.Strawberries and cherries are depicted throughout the painting, which is why it was originally called the "strawberry painting" or "lust." Red fruits are said to evoke sensual feelings. You can also see couples already in intimate embraces.

　At the center is a pool where women are enjoying the water, while men circle around them, but they never seem to reach the women. In fact, the number of women represents units of time (1, 2, 4, 7, 12), and the men ride beasts related to the zodiac. This symbolizes the "wheel of time" that continues eternally.

The Right Panel: A Grand Chorus of Hell!

　And now, the right panel. It depicts "Purgatory," where those who indulged in pleasures ultimately end up. The demon king with a bird's head devours humans and then expels them from his rear (see left image). Even the lute and harp, which are considered angelic instruments, are depicted as engaging in sexual acts, while humans are being impaled. A sheet of music is even drawn on the buttocks of a person crushed beneath the lute, as they are forced into a grand chorus of hell (see right image).

　In other words, it was likely a humorous but cautionary gift from Count Nassau to himself and his wife, saying, "If you indulge in lust and pleasure after marriage, you'll end up in hell!"
　Bosch left behind many such paintings, which were probably viewed as sinful from a Christian perspective. However, because true elites, such as royals and intellectuals, were avid collectors of Bosch’s works, it seems there was no backlash. It’s also worth noting that both Bosch and his patrons were devout Christians.
 　And now, Juliette has boldly printed such a witty painting onto the skirt! Wear it and feel like a wealthy and intellectual enthusiast from that time! The scales-like lace peeking from the hem is also a rare and stunning feature!

Dress  Le paradis (Jardín de las delicias)

Why Do Monsters Appear in Christian Art?

　Lastly, many people may wonder why the monsters in the painting were depicted, so let me explain. In the Christian world, demons have been depicted since the Middle Ages. This was, of course, to clearly show the distinction between good and evil. Eventually, monsters began to appear as well. In handwritten Bibles, known as "illuminated manuscripts," monsters were sometimes drawn as decorative elements to entertain readers. Additionally, sculptures of monsters were placed outside churches as "warding off evil spirits." It is said that Bosch's monsters were drawn in line with this tradition.

 "The Mantichore in a Hat" From Manuscript 764 / ca. 1225–50 / Bodleian Library Collection

 
Written by: Mariko Suzuki
First solo book "Gothic & Lolita Dictionary" on sale!

 —References—

• Yearning for Another World: Decoding Hieronymus Bosch's Triptych by Hiromi Kikawa / Arina Shobo

• The Garden of Earthly Delights: Heaven and Hell as Painted by Bosch edited by Masaaki Kanbara / Shinjinbutsu Orai Sha

• Artbook: Hieronymus Bosch, His Era and Works by Rosemarie Schäuder, supervised by Masaaki Kanbara / Edition q

• Instant Understanding: A Guide to Viewing Fantasy Art by Artist supervised by Nobuyuki Chisoku / Tokyo Bijutsu

• Incredible Art Encyclopedia: All Secrets of Masterpieces Revealed! by Aoi Nikki, supervised by Yusuke Kawase / KADOKAWA

• Tombow's Book: Hieronymus Bosch’s Mysteries Unraveled by Hisako Koike / Shinchosha

• Hieronymus Bosch: Banished from the Garden of Earthly Delights by Koji Nakano / Shogakukan

• Hieronymus Bosch: Iconography of Fantasy and Wonder by Masaaki Kanbara / Keiso Shobo

• Reading Hieronymus Bosch’s "Garden of Earthly Delights" by Masaaki Kanbara / Kawade Shobo Shinsha

• Complete Works of Hieronymus Bosch by Shuji Takashina / Chuokoron Sha

• The World of Hieronymus Bosch: Welcome to the Strange Paradise of Seriously Humorous Landscapes by Till-Holger Borchert, translated by Hiroshi Kumazawa / PIE International

• Fukuro Books: Illustrated Guide to Hieronymus Bosch: A Fantastical Painter at the End of the Century by Kozo Okabe / Kawade Shobo Shinsha