St. Bavon by Hieronymus Bosch

St Bavon was born in Brabant at the end of the sixth century, profitable married, became a rich landowner, had a daughter. He lived a somewhat erratic, dissolute life. But, after his wife’s early death, he gave up his wild life, gave all his property to the poor and began to lead a hermit’s life, spending all his time in prayers for repentance.

About him went the legend that he built his dwelling in a hollow in a forest near Ghent. Bavon is the holy patron of falconry hunters. Died approx. 653. He became a very revered saint in the north of the Netherlands, his name is given to a number of churches.

Here Bavon is depicted in elegant clothes, with a falcon and purse. Around are beggars. As in other Bosch paintings, there are symbol objects, the meaning of which has not been determined.

Grizaille, a kind of decorative painting, performed in different shades of any one color. Applied since the 17th century, it is widespread in the interiors of classicism, mainly as an imitation of a sculptural relief.