However, almost all of the smaller paintings, some of which are fragments from larger altarpieces were there. It is of course unfortunate (though entirely understandable) that the large triptychs from the Prado in Madrid or the museums in Lisbon and Vienna, could not be lent to the exhibition. The major problem in studying Bosch is the lack of a clear view of his oeuvre. In this review I want to focus on the problem of connoisseurship as it is presented in the catalogue. Surprisingly, the authors opted for not using footnotes which to this reviewer makes it difficult to accept unquestioningly the new insights here presented as established facts. The main publication is Hieronymus Bosch: The Complete Paintings and Drawings, which consists of three essays by J. The inclusion of contemporary art scattered throughout the exhibition was perceived as distracting – and not only to this reviewer. Moreover, the works of art and objects were displayed in a rather chaotic way, and there were many complaints about the educational support. The works by Bosch – only some fifteen undisputed smaller paintings and the seven drawings were on show – were a bit lost in the overwhelming mass of exhibits. Also included are many examples illustrating the cultural sphere of the late Middle Ages, such as jugs and pilgrim’s badges found in the grounds of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. There are over four hundred loans, ranging from paintings and drawings by Bosch himself to works by his followers. For them the exhibition in Rotterdam needed to be made extensive. This appeals to the larger public and any show devoted to this artist would likely attract tens of thousands of visitors. The literature on Bosch is enormous, having led cultural and art historians to the wildest speculations in which aspects of heresy, drugs or sodomy are often mentioned. The two books accompanying the Hieronymus Bosch exhibition recently held at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, contain important contributions that expand our knowledge of the art of this world famous, but still enigmatic artist from ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Rotterdam: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, NAi Publishers Ghent: Ludion, 2001.
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