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James Ensor
The Entry of Christ
into Brussels (1888) is one of the paintings that knocked me for a loop the
first time I saw it--and I saw it only in reproduction. Unfortunately I haven’t yet had a chance to see the
original, in the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, though I’d love to someday. I
imagine it must be overwhelming.
I still think it’s one of the most disturbing, even
frightening, works of art I’ve ever seen. And it continually fascinates me.
James Ensor (1860-1949) was a Belgian painter, and his work
both influenced and exemplified Expressionism. He began as a realist painter,
but then became fascinated by symbols such as masks, costumes, and skeletons
and used them to express the theme of the inhumanity of man.
In this painting, probably his masterpiece, the viewer’s eye
is swamped by grotesque faces and death’s-heads and garish colors. The figure
of Christ on a donkey is barely visible in the center of the painting, only a
large gold halo distinguishing him. The ugly faces of the crowd seem more like
predators waiting to attack him than like worshippers. The banner overhead
translates to “Long Live Social Progress” and one of the signs as “Never-Failing
Fanfares of State Power.”
His paintings reflected his fears and anxieties, and
he seemed to identify personally with the sufferings of Christ. Much of his
work had been rejected, and this painting itself wasn’t displayed until 1929.
He is still not well known by today’s audiences, but his work had a great
influence on expressionist and surrealist artists in the twentieth century. His
Swedish contemporary Edvard Munch (best known for “The Scream”) is much better
known, though his work and psychological themes are quite similar to those of
Ensor.
One modern tribute has been paid to him, though, by They
Might Be Giants in their song “Meet James Ensor”.
Thanks for letting us know about this mostly unknown artist and his painting. I loved the way you described the painting. Everything was kind of jumbled for me until I read your description. I'm going to go back and see if I can find a larger image. Maybe I can make out more details.
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A new painter for me, will have to check his work, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to have your commentary to go by on this one, because there is no way I would have made out what it was! It is a bit scary and overwhelming in the sheer busyness of it all.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing and disturbing painting! I see what you are describing. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of this artist but the painting is definitely unique. I had to go back and look at it several times to make sure I noticed the things you mentioned. I too would love to see this 'close up'.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not my kind of painting at all - too weird for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I've heard of Ensor. Thanks for introducing us to him. Then, as is now, art depends on patronage or someone to spread the word about your art. I do know of The Scream by Munsch.
ReplyDeleteJesus is all but lost in the crowd. What a wild mob. The vibrancy of the colors shows how much chaos is going on and Jesus at peace in the center of all that turmoil.
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
I'd never heard of this painter so thanks for introducing him. However the painting looks to scary and I would never have guessed what it is. Dropping by from AtoZ
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post. I love to learn new things. Thanks for introducing me to this painter.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post on this picture. I had not heard of Ensor before today...so thank you for sharing. I'm still trying to take in the picture you've posted...so much going on in this one-- and Jesus is hardly to be found. Does that mean social progress loses the significance of Jesus as it progresses?? It sure has me thinking.
ReplyDeleteTHanks for sharing!! CHeers, Jenn
http://imagesbyduffee.com