Le nu au balustre, 1880–1885/1886–1888
The Nude at the Baluster
Pencil, charcoal and black ink
Sheet dimensions22,5 × 17,3 cm
About the workThe rotated decorative element, the naked young woman and the flower vase have no discernible connection to each other. Hidden or strange things can be found everywhere: faces, grimaces and fantasy creatures even populate the hairstyle and breasts of the unclothed figure. James Ensor is also called the “painter of masks”. The Belgian artist’s predilection for disguise, concealment and the unconventional is said to stem from the carnival tradition of his hometown Ostend.
AccessionAcquisition 1983
Inventory numberK 1983-72
