Bosch - Walter Bosing

"...the like of which was never seen before nor thought of by any other man."
In our own century scholars have come to realize that Bosch's art possesses a more profound significance, and there have been many attempts to explain its origins and meaning. Some writers have seen him as a sort of fifteenth-century Surrealist who dredged up his disturbing forms from the subconscious mind; his name is frequently linked with that of Salvadore Dali. For others, Bosch's art reflects esoteric practices of the Middle Ages, such as alchemy, astrology or witchcraft.

This book is part of a series of art books published by Taschen to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The oversized hardback book is a true bargin selling at $14.95. The quality of the reproductions is good and the text is informative, although written too scholarly for my taste. A little of Sister Wendy's passion thrown into the text would have helped. The text does, however, provide necessary detail to better understand Bosch's art.

Bosch's art is entirely fascinating and this book includes all of the art generally attributed to him. We see in his work both incredible talent and intriguing glimpses into the medival mind. Heaven and hell are the major themes in these works, but nobody else displayed the imagination that created the scenes and creatures Bosch painted in his visions of the afterlife. It is impossible not to stare and become entranced by the amazing detail and strangeness in Bosch's works. How lucky we are that this work survived and that it so affordable to own a book with it.