Saint John on Patmos (reverse side – Scenes from the Passion of Christ and the Pelican with Her Young) Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516)

This circular painting, likely the reverse side of a larger work depicting St. John on Patmos, presents a complex and allegorical narrative focused on the Passion of Christ and a potent symbol of maternal love. The scene unfolds across a desolate landscape under a somber sky, with a central circular motif and various vignettes arranged around it.
In the upper portion of the circle, a triptych-like arrangement depicts the Crucifixion. Three crosses stand against a distant cityscape, with figures of Christ and the two thieves. Descending from these crosses, and scattered across the landscape, are scenes of Christs suffering: a soldier piercing his side, and the Entombment, where Christs body is laid in a tomb. To the right, St. John the Evangelist can be seen in the wilderness.
Dominating the center is a circular medallion featuring a pelican. The pelican is depicted tearing open its breast to nurture its young with its own blood. This powerful image is widely interpreted as a symbol of Christs sacrifice and salvation for humanity. The pelicans act of self-sacrifice represents Christs willingness to shed his blood for the redemption of mankind. This symbol is set against a background that mirrors the distant landscape.
Below the central medallion, a sequence of events from the Passion is depicted. Christ is shown being arrested and taken away, with figures in the crowd wielding clubs and spears. Another scene depicts Christ before Caiaphas.
The subtexts of this painting are rich and deeply rooted in Christian theology and symbolism. The overall composition, moving from the elevated scenes of the Crucifixion and Entombment to the central symbol of the pelican, guides the viewers contemplation of sacrifice, redemption, and the immense love of Christ. The pelican, a lesser-known but significant symbol in early Christian iconography, underscores the theme of self-sacrifice and nourishment, directly linking these concepts to Christs redemptive act. The surrounding scenes of the Passion serve as a visual narrative of the suffering that led to this ultimate act of love. The desolate landscape and the muted palette contribute to an atmosphere of solemnity and contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the profound theological meanings embedded within the imagery.