Hieronymus Bosch. The Complete Works. 40th Ed.

Hieronymus Bosch is one of history's most celebrated artists, known for his fantastical visions and hybrid creatures. This edition offers a comprehensive look at his life and work, exploring his imagination, religious and moral framework, and contemporary proverbs and idioms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Introduction:

Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1450–1516) is a renowned Dutch painter known for his enigmatic and fantastical artwork. Despite having created only around 20 paintings and eight drawings, his visionary creations have solidified his status as one of the most celebrated artists in history. Over five centuries after his passing, Bosch's works continue to captivate scholars, artists, designers, and musicians alike. His influence can be seen in the names of death metal bands and designer dresses, showcasing the enduring impact of his artistic genius. This edition presents the complete and haunting world of Hieronymus Bosch in a compact format, offering a comprehensive exploration of his artistic innovations and disturbing imagination. Through full spreads and carefully curated details, we delve into the full breadth and compelling inventions of the artist's genius, as well as his imaginative interpretations of contemporary proverbs and idioms. Throughout our journey, art historian and Bosch expert Stefan Fischer sheds light on the most significant themes and influences present in these cryptic and mesmerizing masterpieces.

Hieronymus Bosch's Artistic Vision:

Bosch's paintings and drawings are characterized by their intricate and surrealistic imagery, often depicting strange and unsettling scenes. His works are filled with hybrid creatures, such as humans with animal features or fantastical creatures that blend different elements together. Bosch's nightmarish scenarios, such as hellish landscapes, demons, and sinners, reflect his deep fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the divine. His religious and moral framework is also evident in his artwork, with themes of sin, redemption, and salvation often explored. Bosch's pictorial versions of contemporary proverbs and idioms are particularly striking, as they offer a unique perspective on the human condition and societal issues of his time.

Themes and Influences:

One of the most significant themes in Bosch's artwork is the exploration of the human condition. He depicted individuals facing various challenges and struggles, from the temptations of sin to the complexities of morality and spirituality. Bosch's paintings often convey a sense of unease and discomfort, as he sought to challenge his viewers' perceptions of reality and encourage them to contemplate the deeper meaning behind his images. Another important theme in Bosch's work is the role of religion and spirituality in shaping human behavior. He depicted religious figures and scenes from the Bible, as well as scenes from other religious traditions, to explore the complex relationship between faith and humanity. Bosch's moral framework was influenced by his Catholic upbringing, but he also incorporated elements of other religious and philosophical traditions into his artwork.

In addition to his religious and moral themes, Bosch's artwork was influenced by a range of other factors. He was deeply interested in the natural world and its scientific discoveries, and his paintings often depict scientific and anatomical subjects in a surrealistic manner. Bosch's use of color and light is also notable, with his paintings often featuring bright and bold colors that create a sense of urgency and tension. Finally, Bosch's artwork was influenced by his own experiences and observations of the world around him. He was a keen observer of human behavior and social interactions, and his paintings often reflect his observations of the darker side of human nature and the complexities of society.

Conclusion:

Hieronymus Bosch's 20 paintings and eight drawings may be limited in number, but their impact on art history is immeasurable. His visionary creations have secured his place as one of the most celebrated artists in history, and his works continue to inspire scholars, artists, designers, and musicians alike. Through his intricate and surrealistic imagery, Bosch explored the human condition, religion, spirituality, science, and social issues of his time. His moral framework and his imaginative interpretations of contemporary proverbs and idioms offer a unique perspective on the human experience. This edition of Bosch's artwork provides a comprehensive exploration of his artistic innovations and disturbing imagination, allowing us to appreciate the full breadth and depth of his genius. As we continue to be captivated by his works, we can only hope that his legacy will continue to inspire and challenge us for generations to come.

Weight: 1462g
Dimension: 164 x 225 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836587860