Some medieval paintings are like webpages, with writing and images, rich in stories and symbols. The painting has to be ‘read’ and one has be familiar with its symbolism in order to understand the meaning. Many interpretations have been given, and for Bosch’s contemporaries it must have been one of the rare opportunities to see a visual representation of morals and beliefs.
Scholarly viewing of the painting would determine a certain order to ‘enter’ the artefact. Viewing for pleasure allows the eye to ‘visit’ its distinct parts, similarly to visiting webpages.
This image above is by Hieronymous Bosch who was born circa 1450