Hieronymus Bosch

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.

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.