International Journal of Art and Art History

Was Jheronimus Bosch insane?
Michel A.E. Vandenput PhD

Abstract
Themes of intense anxiety and punishment are prominent in Bosch’s triptychs, with figures often depicted as distorted or unnatural. It raises questions about Jheronimus Bosch’s mental health. Psychiatrists once concluded that the painter suffered from persecutory anxieties, bordering on psychosis. Or could he have simply been expressing creative ideas with artistic originality? This study aims to address the dilemma by reviewing cases from professional literature, by applying criteria of neuroticism to Bosch, and by elaborating on the most relevant societal developments in the paintings. The conclusion does not support the theory that Bosch was mentally ill. It is more plausible that he was affected by past experiences -details of which remain unknown- and expressed these through his art.

Full Text: PDF       DOI: 10.15640/ijaah.v12p5