“Death and the Miser” is an artwork by Hieronymus Bosch, belonging to the Northern Renaissance art movement. Classified as a sketch and study, this piece is part of the “Death and the Miser” series and is located in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork portrays a somber scene deeply interwoven with moral and spiritual themes, emblematic of Bosch’s intricate and allegorical style. The composition features a dying man, presumably the miser, within an interior space. At the doorway, the spectral figure of Death draws closer, symbolizing the inevitability of mortality. The miser, despite his impending fate, is seen clutching onto his wealth, a poignant critique of greed and materialism. Surrounding elements, such as a demon-like figure and eerie, animated objects, contribute to the overall sense of foreboding and moral reckoning. The arched ceiling adds depth and perspective to the scene, enhancing the dramatic tension of the narrative. This sketch serves as a study for a more detailed work, capturing the essence of Bosch’s thematic preoccupations with human folly and divine judgement.