The Seven Deadly Sins and the Four Last Things – Death of a sinner (workshop or follower) Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516)

The painting depicts a deathbed scene, conveying the Christian concept of the Four Last Things, which includes death, judgment, heaven, and hell. In the center, a sick person lies in bed, attended by clergy and onlookers. A monk kneels, offering a crucifix, while a priest reads from a book, presumably rites for the dying.
Above the patient, a devilish figure looks on from the shadows, while an angel is positioned to offer solace or guidance. This duality symbolizes the struggle for the soul between good and evil. The presence of various figures – clergy, a nun, other laypeople – suggests the community and religious context surrounding death in that era.
The subtext revolves around the critical moment of a sinners death. The imagery emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in facing judgment. The devils presence underscores the perceived threat of eternal damnation for the unrepentant, while the angel and religious figures represent hope for salvation through divine grace and absolution. The scene serves as a moralistic warning and a reminder of the fragility of life and the ultimate accountability of the soul.