Crucifixion with a Donor

This oil on oak panel is dated at around 1485-1490 and can now be found at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels

The scene found here is of the Crucifixion with the Virgin and St John the Evangelist. There is also a detailed landscape sitting in the background which supports the figures, rather than dominating them. Several of Bosch's remaining drawings illustrate how he spent time perfecting his work in this genre, with rocky cliffs and tree tops dotted around several of his pen sketches.

The donor has sadly never been identified, and is unlikely to be discovered now. There are missing pieces of information on most of Bosch's artworks, be it his drawings or his paintings. It comparison to others where dates are unknown and even attribution is unclear, this is one that is relatively well documented and understood. It also retains a prominent position with an internationally-acclaimed art museum which is truly deserved.

What can be determined about the donor is judged by his attire, with smart clothing. St Peter also stands behind him, giving a possible clue as his name, or at least a derivative of it. There has been some discussion over whether this painting actually came earlier than the guide given here. It is also significant to see the artist producing paintings of a fairly standard route, clearly not all of his work was around mightmarish creatures of his mind, as seen in The Garden of Earthly Delights.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels (Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique) holds an exceptional art collection beyond just Crucifixion with a Donor by Hieronymus Bosch. There are also significant work by the likes of Jacques-Louis David, Lucas Cranach, Edward Burne-Jones and Rembrandt.

Most impressively of all is an entire museum devoted to the work of Belgian Surrealist, Rene Magritte. You will find many of his finest paintings here such as Black Magic, The Empire of Light and The Return of the Flame.