I read this book with real interest, and am very impressed by the author's arguments. As I see it, none of the other interpretations (Bosch as a Catholic; Bosch as an Adamite; Bosch as an Alchemist) ring true to the same extent. When Harris discusses the hidden Cathar (ie, Gnostic) meanings in Bosch's paintings she exposes hidden depths. We find convincing explanations for quirky images like saints surrounded by devils, monsters in the Garden of Eden, the strange unified landscapes of Hell and Earth in the Last Judgement scenes, and the peculiar gates and the circle of animals in the Garden of Earthly Delights, to name just a few. All Bosch's works are covered, and all fit into the overall world-view of the Cathars.
Who would have guessed, for example, that Bosch's Seven Deadly Sins painting had so many hidden heretical symbols, or that his picture of life after death can also be seen on 15th century Bosnian tombstones? Who would have realized that Bosch's art contained so many Italian Renaissance features? All this is not what you'd expect, and it's the originality and excitement of discovery that makes this book so especially interesting.
Traditional Bosch fanciers may not agree with Harris's new interpretaton of Bosch's paintings, but original ideas often take a long time to sink in. For me, this well produced book, with its many illustrations, its sympathy with the spiritual side of the Gnostic Cathar religion, and its wide ranging subject matter, is a real eye opener.
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