The Seven Deadly Sins
The Origins of the Seven Deadly Sins
The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins dates back to the Middle Ages, a period spanning from the 5th to the 16th century, known as the medieval era. During this time, the Catholic Church held a profound influence over society, effectively serving as the governing body of communities. The clergy's views and opinions held sway throughout society, shaping not only religious beliefs but also cultural trends.
Within the realm of culture, there was a prevailing trend in art. Many artists, particularly painters, created a plethora of artworks, often commissioned by kings and patrons of the arts. These artists achieved fame, and their works became highly esteemed.
The connection to our topic lies in the fact that the kings of the Middle Ages had the authority to commission artworks, often favoring those with religious themes. These commissioned works were preserved and admired by the monarchs, contributing to the widespread dissemination of paintings and their associated symbolic meanings. Given that the artists were deeply entrenched in a society closely linked to the Church, the majority of their creations bore religious significance. Thus, the Church played a substantial role in influencing art during the Middle Ages.
During this period, numerous religious paintings emerged, many of which depicted sin, moral failings, and human vices. This brings us to the focal point of our discussion: a painting titled "The Seven Deadly Sins and Four Last Things" by the Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch.
To comprehend the significance of this artwork and its connection to the Church, we must examine how the Catholic Church views sins. The Church categorizes human sins from two distinct perspectives. The first encompasses minor sins, which can be confessed within the Church, allowing for forgiveness. The second perspective pertains to mortal sins, leading us to the core of our discussion: the Seven Deadly Sins. These sins are lust, greed, gluttony, pride, envy, wrath, and sloth. Committing any of these sins carries the weight of eternal damnation, consigning individuals to the fires of hell.
These paintings, especially those we have discussed, hold artistic value beyond their aesthetics. Their enduring significance lies in the messages they convey, which have preserved the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins to this day.
