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“Bosch was not possessed by a deranged spirit but the possessor of a cool, calculating mind. His supreme mastery of the arts is proved by his ability to paint cerebrally constructed devils, of which the component parts each has its own meaning. This, in short, is genius, and modern art historians who see Bosch as a surrealist have been led astray by it. Bosch had a keen eye for the demonic element in what he observed (e.g. in colours and human faces) and he understood and knew exactly how to make use of it and achieve the desired effects.” — Dirk Bax
Bosch was not possessed by a deranged spirit but the possessor of a cool, calculating mind. His supreme mastery of the arts is proved by his ability to paint cerebrally constructed devils, of which the component parts each has its own meaning. This, in short, is genius, and modern art historians who see Bosch as a surrealist have been led astray by it. Bosch had a keen eye for the demonic element in what he observed (e.g. in colours and human faces) and he understood and knew exactly how to make use of it and achieve the desired effects.