Saint Francis Heals the Grievous Wounds of One John at Lerida, plate two from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century

Hieronymus Bosch, 1512

MEDIUMWoodcut on paper
DIMENSIONSImage: 8.1 × 10.1 cm (3 1/4 × 4 in.); Image/text: 15.1 × 10.2 cm (6 × 4 1/16 in.); Sheet: 19.9 × 15.2 cm (7 7/8 × 6 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREGermany
CREDIT LINEPrint Sales Miscellaneous Fund

Stop to see how Hieronymus Bosch, known for his fantastical visions, depicts a moment of divine healing with intense detail, inviting you to explore a busy world within this small woodcut.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this intricate woodcut, Saint Francis kneels to heal a man named John, whose grievous wounds are visible on his leg. The scene unfolds beneath a towering, gnarled tree that dominates the composition, its branches reaching skyward. The stark black and white contrasts typical of woodcuts emphasize the dramatic moment, drawing the eye to the figures and their expressions. Beyond the central action, a bustling landscape teems with life and architectural details, offering glimpses into the world of 16th-century Brabant. This work, created in 1512, demonstrates the detailed narrative style of the period, inviting viewers to explore every corner of the image.

ART MOVEMENTS
Northern Renaissance
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The saint's humble robes and bare feet contrasted with John's detailed clothing.

2

The deep gashes on John's leg, the focus of the healing.

3

The dense foliage and intricate bark of the massive tree.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to see how Hieronymus Bosch, known for his fantastical visions, depicts a moment of divine healing with intense detail, inviting you to explore a busy wor…

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THE ARTIST
Hieronymus Bosch 1450–1516 · Northern Low Countries

Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter from the Northern Low Countries, filled his oak panels with fantastic illustrations of religious concepts, from the Garden of Eden to macabre depictions of hell.

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