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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileThis manuscript page features 16th-century Dutch script recording the activities of a prominent religious confraternity in 's-Hertogenbosch. The text specifically names 'Jheronimus' (Bosch) in the context of a 'swan feast' and a consultation regarding the decoration of the group's altar. The handwriting is a typical late-medieval chancery hand, appearing on a paper folio with visible ink bleed and aging.
This document is one of the few surviving primary records of Hieronymus Bosch’s life, confirming his status as a 'sworn brother' of an orthodox religious elite. While modern interpretations often link Bosch's surreal imagery to alchemy or heresy, this record firmly places him within the traditional religious and social structures of his time.
Inden yersten tot tconvent vanden zwanen by vrydel ghebeden brueders omme Jheronimus en meester Jans soens te huldigen en raet te nemen omme onse lieve vrouwe tafel te stofferen en aff te nemen en twerne die best stoffing te doen voer de vuytert enpste
Translation
From the place to the convent of the swans by Vrijdel prayed brothers to honor Hieronymus and master Jan’s son and to take counsel to furnish our Lady’s table and to take down and [to] do the best furnishing for the outing [illegible]
Hieronymus Bosch
Biographical record identifying the artist's involvement in the Confraternity of Our Lady, providing context for his moralizing and visionary works.
Object
Engraving
religious
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
www.bhic.nl : Home : Pic
Public domain
1724 × 768 px
dca3739995a9c139c2b6a9d62e6ab348cd0ad0db
February 16, 2010
March 24, 2026
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 1, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.