Hieronymus Bosch (World of Art) [Paperback]

Walter S. Gibson (Author)

Book Description

Series: World of Art | Publication Date: February 17, 1985

"An exceptional book, sensible, illuminating and readable...probably the best straightforward account of Bosch and his works which we shall have for some time."—Times Literary Supplement

No one can look at the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch without amazement and bewilderment. Professor Gibson shows that what seems inexplicable to us today—the canvases full of torture, monsters, and leering devils—was perfectly intelligible to the fifteenth-century viewer. The subjects of Bosch's paintings were in fact the overwhelming concerns of late medieval Europe: the Last Judgment, original sin, death, temptations of the flesh. The author describes each picture in detail, placing each work within the context of medieval folklore and religion, and explains that many of the acts portrayed in the pictures were visual translations of verbal puns or metaphors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Well produced and well written...a wise and friendly exposition.” (Arts Review )

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (February 17, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 050020134X
• ISBN-13: 978-0500201343
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Arts & Photography > Museum Exhibition Catalogs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The World Turned Right Again: Walter Gibson Explains Bosch, January 4, 2000

By 

Steven D. Skyles Mulligan (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hieronymus Bosch (World of Art) (Paperback)

Art is a mystical and magical phenomenon. For that reason, few scholars of the art of the past can resist the temptation to cloud their work with terminal over-analysis and obfuscating jargon. Fortunately, Walter Gibson (like St. Anthony in the desert) does not succumb to these demons. With a clear eye, he reviews the work, thought and religious sentiment of one of the most mystical painters in human history; however, he never lets daylight in upon magic. The reader finishes this delightful little tome on Bosch with a better understanding of his work, but a profound respect for his mystery. Gibson is erudite without being obfuscatory, respectful without being unduly ingratiating. An excellent work by someone who truly loves and understands art.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bosch the Medievalist, July 27, 2010

By 

Randall L. Wilson "Randy Wilson" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hieronymus Bosch (World of Art) (Paperback)

I remember the first time I saw the poster of "The Gardens of Earthly Delights." I had the typical college freshman response that it blew my mind and made me feel that Bosch was an alien character who took on earthly form. What is so great about this account of his art, is that the author recognizes this response and takes it to a different place, a medieval world where satanic iconography isn't so strange.

At first I was disappointed he didn't single out "Garden" for lengthy and extended analysis and praise but after reading the book I realized that was the point. Gibson was showing the continuum of Bosch's work and "Garden" was in keeping with the rest of it and also that the iconography it contained was explainable within its medieval context.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More color pictures, please!, March 27, 2011

By 

robert solomon - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hieronymus Bosch (World of Art) (Paperback)

A wonderfully written introduction to the works of Hieronymus Bosch. Wish the pictures were all in color, though (80% of pictures are in black and white). Still a great deal at $19,95.