How did the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco Goya influence Surrealism?

The Surrealism movement, which sought to unite the conscious and unconscious realms of experience, drew significant inspiration from the fantastic and grotesque imagery found in the works of earlier artists, most notably Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco Goya.1

Influence of Hieronymus Bosch

Bosch’s artistic vision was characterized by highly imaginative, fantastical scenes, often populated by strange beasts and surreal landscapes. His masterwork, The Garden of Earthly Delights, exemplifies his ability to depict complex moral narratives through symbolic and dreamlike imagery. Surrealists were drawn to this imaginative quality, which provided a historical precedent for their own efforts to explore the irrational and the depths of the human psyche.2341

Influence of Francisco Goya

Similarly, the paintings, drawings, and engravings of Francisco Goya served as a vital touchstone for Surrealist artists. Goya’s work, which often reflected the historical upheavals and horrors of his time, utilized grotesque and dark imagery that resonated with the Surrealist interest in the unconscious and the "logically inexplicable". By bridging the gap between the Old Masters and modern art, Goya’s legacy helped validate the Surrealist focus on personal psychic investigation and revelation.156