“St. James and the Magician Hermogenes” is a religious painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hieronymus Bosch. The artwork is currently housed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes in Valenciennes, France.
The artwork presents a scene depicting a narrative likely drawn from religious texts. The composition showcases various figures in a landscape with a central building structure. The architectural elements are characterized by a modest edifice with a green roof and arched doorways. The painting is rich in symbolic details and layered with the complex thematic elements typical of Bosch’s oeuvre. In the foreground, there are figures engaged in a variety of activities, some of which appear to be interacting with objects or animals. The background consists of a landscape with undulating hills and distant foliage, contributing to the depth and perspective of the piece. Bosch’s skillful use of color and intricate detailing invites viewers to explore the multiple layers of the narrative.
