“Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos” is a religious painting by Hieronymus Bosch, dated 1485, and executed in oil on panel. This artwork, measuring 63 x 43.3 cm, belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, in Berlin, Germany.
In the artwork, Saint John the Evangelist is depicted sitting serenely on the island of Patmos. Dressed in a long, flowing robe, he is focused intently on writing in a book lying open on his lap, likely representing his work of composing the Book of Revelation. His upward gaze is directed towards a vision above – an angel standing on a hill and an apparition of the Virgin Mary surrounded by a luminous halo, rendered with Bosch’s characteristic otherworldly eeriness. The background showcases an expansive, detailed landscape complete with distant buildings and ships on tranquil waters, emphasizing the solitude of John’s exile. Bosch’s use of muted earth tones, intricate details, and surreal elements exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s distinctive style and his unique visionary approach to religious themes.
