On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02822
- Author
- Bosch, Hieronymus (Flemish)
- Title
- Table of the Mortal Sins
- Chronology
- Late Fifteenth Century
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 120 cm x 150 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- DEPOSITO
- Procedence
- Patrimonio Nacional
Five circles stand on a black
background. The four smallest ones,
in the four corners, show the final
stages of life: Death, Judgement,
Hell and Glory. Two scrolls with
Latin verses from the Book of
Deuteronomy warn of the
consequences of sin. The first (32:
28-29) reads “For they are a nation
void of counsel, neither is there
any understanding in them,” and the
second (32: 20): “O that they were
wise, that they understood this,
that they would consider their
latter end.” The central circle is
larger than the others and looks
like an eye. In its pupil appears
Christ, Man of Sorrow and the
phrase “Take care, take care, God
is watching.” Its outer ring shows
the seven deadly sins with genre
scenes depicting the customary
vices of that period.
Felipe II acquired this work,
sending it to El Escorial in April
1574, where it was mentioned by
Father Sigüienza.
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