Strawberries were symbolic of purity, so there is a lot of allusion happening in this painting which is actually a three panel piece.
As for what that allusion is, there’s actually debate on that. Some people think the middle panel was meant to represent a fall to earthy decadence. People are devouring the strawberries, leading to ruin and Hell in the final panel. The alternate interpretation is the center shows an aspirational paradise, a heaven on earth located between Christ and Hell and in contrast to Hell.
Strawberries were symbolic of purity, so there is a lot of allusion happening in this painting which is actually a three panel piece.
As for what that allusion is, there’s actually debate on that. Some people think the middle panel was meant to represent a fall to earthy decadence. People are devouring the strawberries, leading to ruin and Hell in the final panel. The alternate interpretation is the center shows an aspirational paradise, a heaven on earth located between Christ and Hell and in contrast to Hell.
I personally vibe with the first interpretation.
These strawberries are the ones used to make the jam that Technotronic wants us to pump up.
Ah, yes, the Hurdy Gurdy, the most evil of instruments.
Bosch is so fascinating.