Hans Belting is an internationally renowned art historian and an expert on Netherlandish art. He is the author of numerous works on art theory and twentieth-century art, Likeness and Presence, The Invisible Masterpiece and Art History after Modernism. He lives in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Although Hieronymus Bosch's triptych painting, The Garden of Earthly Delights, has fascinated viewers for centuries, commentators have been perplexed about its intended meaning. In this book, German art historian Belting (Thomas Struth) argues persuasively for an interpretation of the enigmatic central panel as a representation of the earthly paradise that would have existed if Adam and Eve's fall had never taken place. Belting's book is more philosophical and less comprehensive than Jos Koldeweij and others' recent Hieronymus Bosch: The Complete Paintings and Drawings, and Belting's discussion of the religious and cultural context of Bosch's art sometimes strays so far from the art itself that it is hard to see the connection. This book is valuable, however, for its novel view of a much-discussed painting. A large foldout reproduction of the triptych and many close-up views and reproductions of several related works add to the book's value. Recommended for scholarly and specialized collections.-Kathryn Wekselman, Cincinnati, OH Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
