Influences

Because not a lot is known about Bosch's life in general, it is difficult to specify who might have influenced his style. As well, his originality is so strong that any source of inspiration may not be apparent. At the very least, as with most artists of the time, we could surmise that he would have been familiar with prints and books containing miniatures and engravings.

One thing which definitely informed his work, thematically if not visually, was his Catholic faith. During his time, some were so disturbed by Bosch's depictions of demons performing violent acts in Hell, that they considered him a heretic. It wasn't his intention to celebrate sin, but to warn against it. The preachers of that time delivered sermons to terrify their followers, so Bosch did the same with his brushstrokes.