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Hieronymus Bosch, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” triptych, 220 x 390 cm. Prado Museum, Madrid
Art

Partying with Bosch

Hieronymus on How to See in the New Year
Matthew Coachinger
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time 2 minutes
Matthew Coachinger:
was someone else before he became who he is.

Many myths and contrived overinterpretations have sprung up around Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” However, the latest research—conducted after hours by the editors of Przekrój—suggests that one shouldn’t seek sophisticated esoteric teachings in the Dutch master’s painting. Earthly delights mean just that, and more specifically, a rather successful New Year’s Eve party. With the help of simple symbols, Bosch conveys the basic principles of ensuring a carefree, happy transition into the next twelve-month cycle.

Hieronymus Bosch, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” triptych, 220 x 390 cm. Prado Museum, Madrid

The left panel of the triptych depicts getting ready to go out and have fun.

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Adam’s sedentary position indicates his aversion to the very idea of partying on Saint Sylvester’s Day. He thinks it’s an evening just like any other, best spent without leaving the house at all. Eve, on the other hand, thinks it’s practically a sin not to celebrate.

***

Their dispute is settled by Jesus, siding with Eve.

***

Raising the three fingers of his r

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Matthew Coachinger:
was someone else before he became who he is.
Translation: Joanna Figiel
Publish date: 05.12.2018

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Nijwam Swargiary / Unsplash
Fiction

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Self-Carelessness with Coachinger
Matthew Coachinger
Matthew Coachinger:
was someone else before he became who he is.

One summer afternoon someone texted me from a strange number: “How are you doing?” Since I’d lost my previous phone and hadn’t restored all my contacts yet, I thought it was probably one of my friends. I responded that everything was fine, to which I received a few more polite messages. I had no idea whom I was texting, but I didn’t see anything inappropriate about this straightforward exchange of niceties.

A few days later, this someone texted me again. They asked if I’d read anything interesting recently. Of course, I answered straight away. They were intrigued, asked me a few extra questions and we had a nice chat. I still didn’t know who it was. I was curious, but the conversation had already gone too far, and by that point I could hardly ask whom I was actually talking with.

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