“Temptation of St. Anthony (detail),” created by Hieronymus Bosch circa 1500, exemplifies the Northern Renaissance period and belongs to the genre of religious painting. The artwork is housed in the National Museum of Ancient Art (MNAA) in Lisbon, Portugal.
The artwork depicts a surreal, fantastical scene, which is characteristic of Bosch’s unique style. It features complex, elaborate structures and peculiar, dreamlike landscapes. In the foreground, a round, castle-like building appears, adorned with various openings and balconies. The structure defies conventional architectural norms, blending organic and architectural elements. Surrounding this central edifice, strange figures and entities engage in various activities, creating a sense of chaos and turmoil, which reflects the theme of temptation and spiritual struggle. The background depicts a serene landscape with rolling hills, which contrasts sharply with the fantastical elements in the foreground, enhancing the overall otherworldly atmosphere of the artwork.