Our timing was perfect to get front row seats to see the hourly show of the medieval astronomical clock. While it was a reproduction made from remnants of the original, it was still completely fascinating to see the incredible show that occurred on the hour.
The doors opened to Bosch’s colorful display depicting the Last Judgment...
…with sinners dragged to hell...
…and believers soaring to heaven.
In addition to the time, the clock showed the date, religious holidays and the phases of the moon and sun in the Zodiac. Pretty impressive for 1513, when the clock was originally installed on the cathedral.
Despite all 60 paintings being reproductions, they were mesmerizing. The largest was
The Garden of Earthly Delights triptych with the Garden of Eden on the left and Hell on the right. In the center, real and imaginary creatures co-exist with lots of amorous humans. It is incredible that it was painted around 1505 as it was so much more elaborate than other religious paintings of its era with heavy use of symbolism; it has been on display at The Prado in Madrid since 1939.
On an adjacent wall hung modern interpretations of scenes from his paintings.
I was especially impressed with these lovely dresses depicting scenes from Bosch’s paintings.
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