Three centuries before the crazed stylings of Hieronymus Bosch, an unknown artist in the 12th century created this portrayal of devils picking off holy men on their way up "The Heavenly Ladder of Saint John Climacus" to heaven.
I love the little cupid-like demons, especially the one who's so nonchalant that he's actually crossing his legs. And who can resist those top-heavy holy men toppling over like Saddam's statue in Baghdad?
The painting, which is housed at a monastery in the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine in Egypt, was recently on display at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
