“A comical barber scene” is a piece attributed to Hieronymus Bosch, a renowned artist from the Northern Renaissance. Classified as a sketch and study, this artwork is housed at the British Museum in London, UK. The scene depicted strikes a humorous note, showcasing the eccentric and moralizing style that is typical of Bosch’s work.
In the sketch, three central figures engage in a barber’s activity that seems anything but ordinary. To the left, a character holding a book and what appears to be a bleeding bandage stands beside another figure, who is comically large and seated, with a basin around his neck – suggesting a shaving or barbering scenario. A third figure with an extravagant hat stands to the right, holding a curious object that could be a mirror or a comical representation of some grooming tool. A separate sketch at the top right corner shows another individual, possibly a patient, in a pose of contemplation or distress. The scene combines elements of satire and caricature, revealing human folly or vanity, themes often explored by Bosch. The drawing is rendered with fine lines, and despite the overall lightness and playful character of the composition, Bosch’s skill in capturing expressions and body language is evident.
