Description

A unique overview of the ingenious printmaking of James Ensor

“One must focus on certain etchings by Mr James Ensor to discover the true artist he is.” — from L’Art Moderne, 1889

Thanks to the experimental character of his prints, James Ensor remains one of the most important etchers of his time. Seventy-five years after his death, his prints continue to amaze. This richly illustrated book sheds light on the remarkable creation process behind his prints, and also on the influence of earlier artists, his contemporaries and collectors, and the reception of his work.

By taking a close look at his prints and by comparing the different states, we can catch a glimpse of Ensor’s own states of imagination. Not only did Ensor experiment with various etching techniques and often reworked the etched plates, he also transformed his prints by adding to them and colouring them by hand in pencil and watercolour. Moreover, he sometimes used coloured inks and printed on to a variety supports, such as satin and parchment.

James Ensor and the Graphic Experiment places the prints of Ensor in a new light, and is a continuing source of inspiration for admirers of this quirky and multi-faceted artist.

With contributions by Izanna Mulder, Willemijn Stammis, Ad Stijnman en Herwig Todts.

This book is published on the occasion of the exhibition Ensor’s States of Imagination, which runs from 28 September 2024 to 18 January 2025 at Museum Plantin-Moretus, Antwerp.