Esteemed painter and underground comix artist Guy Colwell makes his graphic novel return after 30 years with Delights – a highly imaginative take on the history of the legendary artist Hieronymus Bosch. Jheronimus van Aken is an artist paid well by local dukes to paint a vision of the world before the fall, but will the religious leaders of his village see it as celebrating God’s creation, or fatally corrupted by sensuality? And what of the increasing numbers of young models needed to depict pre-apple innocence?
Colwell is a renowned fine artist who has had a vastly diverse career. He has worked as an underground comic artist, a sculptor for a major toy company and finally as an established painter. He has drawn on the human condition, social injustice and his experience exploring nature to bring a unique voice to his work. This makes him the perfect creator for a graphic novel covering Bosch. As an acclaimed artist in his own right, he has frequently worked in the surreal and created pieces that don’t attempt to hide the ugly side of life, which makes him well versed to examine the making of one of Bosch’s most famous paintings.
Bosch is presented as a complex man who struggles to reconcile his grand ideas when it comes to the erotic painting he has been commissioned to do with his religious beliefs. Whilst his nude paintings are not intended to be pornographic, it is clear that he is being pushed to his limit in what both he and the church would consider to be in good taste. He even finds himself questioning whether he is unintentionally sinning by continuing down this path. Colwell creates a great depiction of his inner turmoil as Bosch pushes himself deeper into his art and the slippery slope that follows.
Colwell’s art is strong throughout and goes a long way in showing how these works may have caused sparks to fly in certain quarters. His use of the strange creatures that would appear in Bosch painting as demons who haunt him as he wrestles with his conscience are also a deft touch.
This is a fascinating study of a legendary artist from a modern artist who has more than left his mark on the art world. A perfect read for both fans of Colwell and anyone who appreciates art history!
Delights: A Story of Hieronymus Bosch is out now from Fantagraphics (9781683969525, p/b, £29.99)
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