Fake History Hunter

This article was originally a thread on social media, which is why it is formatted with lots of images and short responses.
The text is about the image below that paragraph.

Jheronimus Bosch (1450 – 1516), also known as Jeroen Bosch of Hiëronymus Bosch is one of my favourite artists, this review is about ‘The seven deadly sins’:

At the top it says something like
“These enemies are so short-sighted, they lack any understanding.
If they were wise, they would have insight and understand how things will turn out for themselves”:

In the middle we have Christ in a sort of eyeball and in Latin it says something like; Beware, beware the lord sees!

And he looks well disappointed:

At the bottom it says something like: “I will turn away from them and see how they fare.”.
Which sounds like a bit of a threat…

The texts come from Deuteronomy 32:28–29:

The painting has 5 circles, the one in the middle displaying the 7 deadly sins, the 4 in the corners scenes related to death and the afterlife.

Let’s start at the top with Gula (Gluttony), it’s wonderful, so many lovely details:

The children’s chair has an opening in it so the kid can go potty.
Children’s toys; a stick & ball for a sort of hockey game.
The typical 3 leg chairs that were very popular then and kids used as sleigh in winter.
And is that a sausage by the fire?

Probably the man of the house, eating and drinking at the same time, he looks like he has had enough.
The kid is also quite chubby and has his eye set on what’s likely ale or beer.
I love the kid wearing shoes that are too big, but they’re broken:

Another man is also helping himself to a drink, drinking so much he is spilling.
He also has food in his pocket and again we see damaged clothing.
Suggesting that they should be spending their money on something else than just drink and food:

This is the lady of the house and I think she’s looking up at Christ, ready to file a complaint.
Nice detail are the keys and pouch hanging from her belt, she runs the household.
Is that a little owl in that alcove?
Wikipedia thinks she’s holding a turkey…

Next Acedia (sloth).

This man looks so comfortable, nice big pillow, having a nap in his chair by the fire with a snoring dog.
The lady seems upset, probably reminding him to do more religious stuff like praying or coming to church.
And taking out the garbage:

Some details:
Dog!
Reflective plate so the candle gives more light?
Pouch with naughty naughty dagger which I will not write about because I’m a proper lady and so on…:

Next Luxuria (lust)… oh my.
Fancy folk in a fancy tent being entertained, enjoying fancy food and then finding a private corner in the tent for a bit of how’s yer father?
I’m shocked and appalled:

Next superbia (pride).
A lady staring in the mirror, obsessed with her appearance:

Details:
A demon holds the mirror, perhaps whispering “does my bum look big in this” into her ears.
Ignore that voice in your head!
Is there a face above her reflection?!
Big chest of accessories.
What’s happening in the other room?
Does the rat symbolise neglecting chores?

Next Ira (wrath).
Fight!
The sign/flag hanging from the building suggests it’s outside a tavern.
One of the men holding a jug suggests this may be drunkards fighting, the woman might be doing the timeless “leave it Dave, it ain’t worth it”-ritual:

Details: Pushed over table. Is he wearing the stool because he’s drunk or as a helmet? He’s heavily armed, this is getting out of hand. Also a funny hat and some very pointy pattens.
Dave also has a weapon:

Invidia (envy).
Well everyone’s envious of everyone here it seems:

Details:
The rich people in the house staring at the rich man showing off his falcon, he has fancy clothes, a worker carrying his load and nice trippen.
The dogs have 2 bones but want the one the man is holding.
Young man trying to seduce a lady with a gift:

Avaricia (greed)
Here depicted by bribery, officials, a judge or bailiff, is dealing with a case but accepting a bribe… some things never change…:

Then the corner pieces.
Top left corner: Death.
A nice household, a wealthy man is about to die.
People are praying for his soul, Death is ready to strike on the left, a devil and angel sit over him and in the backroom women sit and wait.
Also there is a small dog or cat:

The last judgement, you’re all dead, time to be judged.
You’ve been a naughty bunch.
“Yes Christ, sorry about that, but why are we naked?”
“Er… health & safety?”

Naughty people go to hell and hell is very Jheronimus Bosch-ish:

If you’ve been good you go to heaven which looks fancy and at least you get some clothes.
But I see no ale or good food, or dogs.
Is there a third choice?

The end!
So if it was made by Bosch or not is still a bit of an issue but I still think it’s awesome, I hope you enjoyed my little review.
If you did and want to read more reviews of art, books, games or whatever, check out this list:

Reviews & recommended threads