Discover the true essence of Belgium's most renowned artist in this captivating exploration that delves beyond his reputation as a mere mask painter, unveiling a visionary ahead of his era.
As a product of the modern art scene, James Ensor was renowned for his satirical and grotesque depictions. He was also a revolutionary pioneer, seamlessly combining realistic and abstract elements in his work that put him ahead of his peers.
Experience Ensor's revolutionary application of color and light as he masterfully employs bold, contrasting hues to evoke powerful emotions. His fixation on the grotesque sets him apart from his peers, and this catalog showcases his stunning full-page works. Gain new insight into Ensor's art through enlightening essays that explore various perspectives, such as the impact of anarchism and the influence of landscape sketching and Japonisme.
This book presents an in-depth analysis of Ensor's work, exploring its relationship with contemporary societal and cultural influences while contributing to existing scholarship on the artist. It features a wealth of illustrations and insightful commentary.
Published to accompany the exhibition at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), 28 Sept. 2024–19 Jan. 2025
James Sidney Edouard, Baron Ensor (1860-1949) was a Belgian painter and printmaker, an important influence on expressionism and surrealism who lived in Ostend for most of his life. He was associated with the artistic group Les XX.
