Bosch500: Monumental Exhibition Reunites Scattered Masterpieces in Den Bosch

The Noordbrabants Museum in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, hosts a landmark exhibition for the 500th anniversary of Jheronimus Bosch's death, running until May 8, 2016. The show reunites 20 paintings and 19 drawings from 20 collections across 10 countries, including loans from Venice's Gallerie dell'Accademia. Organized by the Bosch Research and Conservation Project (BRCP), the exhibition corrects the artist's grotesque stereotype, presenting his realistic critique of human vices. The BRCP's collaborative model involved a traveling team of conservators, art historians, and photographers analyzing works in over 20 museums. The exhibition has sold over 360,000 tickets, requiring online reservation. The BRCP's online platform offers HD and infrared images, revealing underdrawings and pentimenti, such as the eliminated donor figures in the Triptych of the Hermit Saints. The project achieved five goals: redefining Bosch's image, collaborative study, refining attributions, reuniting dispersed works, and fostering international cooperation. The exhibition exemplifies best practices in cultural heritage science and project management.