Bosch: Works for All

Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1450–1516), the Netherlandish visionary, secured his place as a pillar of art history with just 20 paintings and nine drawings to his name. His depictions of a bird-monster devouring sinners, naked bodies in tantric contortions, and a pair of ears brandishing a sharpened blade have continued to puzzle and enthrall scholars, artists, designers, and musicians alike.

Based on the best-selling XXL edition, which saw TASCHEN commission new and exclusive photography of details and recently restored works, this large-scale monograph presents Bosch's complete oeuvre. Art historian and Bosch expert Stefan Fischer's texts dissect the many compelling elements that populate each scene, from hybrid creatures of man and beast to Bosch's pictorial use of proverbs and idioms.

By tying together the elusive threads of his oeuvre into one exhaustive overview, this book reveals the immense influence of Bosch and his painting. The impeccable full-page reproductions celebrate the artist's staggering compositional scope, while enlarged details unveil the most intricate and bizarre scenes, as well as the unsuspected technical minutiae, from subtle brush-strokes to the grain of the canvas.

The book features a fold-out spread drawn from the legendary Last Judgement, and a special chapter focusing on Bosch's most famous work, the mesmerizing and terrifying triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights. Through this comprehensive exploration, readers can delve into the world of Bosch's visionary imagination and understand the enduring appeal of his work.

With its impeccable reproductions and insightful analysis, this monograph offers a definitive and immersive study of one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in art history. Bosch's paintings continue to captivate audiences, and this book provides a captivating and in-depth examination of his remarkable artistic legacy.

product information: