“The Hearing Forest and the Seeing Field,” created by Hieronymus Bosch around the year 1500, is a distinguished work from the Northern Renaissance art movement. Executed using pen on wood, this religious painting measures 202 x 127 cm and is currently housed in the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork depicts a surreal scene set in a forest. Central to the composition is a tree with humanoid features, in whose hollow rests an owl, evoking a sense of watchful presence. Surrounding this tree are dense woods, where elements such as ears and eyes are intricately integrated into the foliage and the ground, creating a fusion of sensory symbolism. Birds perch and fly around the tree, enhancing the enigmatic atmosphere of the scene. The meticulous pen work contributes to the intricate detailing that is characteristic of Bosch’s unique artistic style.