Hieronymous Bosch’s painted Saint Christopher Carrying the Christ Child through a Sinful World between 1450-1516. Hieronymus lived at a time of great turbulence in Western Europe. There was a great discontent with the Roman Catholic Church, because many believed the clergy to be morally corrupt. Epidemics plagued the people and killed thousands. It is generally accepted that his art was to teach spiritual truths, and moral principles. Bosch seem to use imagery dealing with the torments of hell if committing sin.

There are three main figures in this painting: Saint Christopher (the largest figure), the Christ Child, and a hermit (holding the lantern). St. Christopher was a man who was big and strong, he was in search to serve the most powerful