’s-Hertogenbosch Visions of a Genius
A Bosch Retrospective in his Birthplace
There is huge interest in the exhibition, more than 90,000 tickets were sold in advance at a price of 22 euros each. The income is indeed needed, since the overall cost of the exhibition amounts to seven million euros and the cost of research was three million, which is believed to be a record sum even in Holland. Yet, it is not out of reach for the museum and as long as it can attract a total of 250,000 visitors before the exhibition closes it will not make a loss, thanks to the generous support of sponsors, as well as central and local government bodies. The fact that the exhibition is being staged in Bosch’s birthplace lends it a special atmosphere. A short walk in the medieval town centre enables visitors to tune into the exhibition. The market place where the master lived and worked centuries ago is a couple of minutes from the museum. His statue erected there at the end of the 1920s reminds passers-by of the outstanding figure of early Dutch painting. The Gothic Saint John’s Cathedral, where the funeral of the painter who died sometime between the ages of 60 and 65 was held in 1516, is also close-by. It is not known precisely where Bosch was buried, but his grave must be in the churchyard. The funeral ceremony with hymns and organ music was organised by the Brotherhood of Our Blessed Lady in whose inner circle the artist was involved. The date is known from the financial accounts of the Brotherhood. The document is displayed in the exhibition, which is divided into six thematic units. The first station of travelling to Bosch’s world is entitled The Pilgrimage of Life. Paintings here warn mortals of having to choose between good and evil, God and the Devil, then at the end of the road they must render an account of their deeds. The next unit presents the connection between the artist and the town.
The following section displaying a large number of drawings is wonderful for visitors, since 19 of the 21 drawings attributed to Bosch are exhibited. The part that focuses on saints includes outstanding paintings by Bosch, accompanied by some copies and contemporary works.
The exhibition involves about one hundred objects. Besides 17 paintings and 19 drawings by Bosch and six works attributed to the master’s workshop, there are works by the master’s contemporaries, as well as many 15th and 16th century manuscripts, printed books and engravings connected with the artist, the works or the era. Museum professionals can draw lessons mainly from the two academic publications with reference to organising and implementing the research process. A book launch presenting art historian Gary Schwartz’s work on Bosch was held in the town’s Art Centre before the opening.