This painting shows a scene from Greek and Roman mythology.
It depicts the moment when the souls of the dead cross the River Styx to go to heaven or hell.
Mythology is a collection of stories about gods, heroes and traditions specific to nations or cultures.
According to mythology, ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the dead had to cross a river called the Styx.
Charon, a boatman, was responsible for transporting them across the river to their destination.
In the painting, the small and naked figure in the boat represents the soul of the deceased.
Charon is the older man standing and rowing on the wooden boat.
On each side of the river, we can see the possible destination.
On the left is heaven, where angels accompany the souls, and we can see a distant glass building.
The river leading to heaven is narrow and difficult to navigate.
On the right is hell, hidden behind a forest and an easily transited wide river.
Patinir depicts hell with a round tower and a background fire.
At the entrance waits Cerberus, a dog with 3 heads.
Cerberus was the guardian of hell.
The soul in the boat with Charon must choose its destiny.
In the painting, the soul chooses its destiny because it turns and looks towards the side of hell.
