James Ensor

The Belgian artist James Ensor (1860-1949) was a major figure in the Belgian avant-garde of the late 19th century and an important precursor to the development of Expressionism in the early 20th century. Daring and socially engaged, Ensor included political, religious, historical, and autobiographical themes in his works. He is known for brightly colored depictions of masked skeletons, seascapes, and carnivals, which frequently tend toward the macabre or grotesque. Structured like a biography, this book explores Ensor's life and art year by year. Chapters are illustrated with Ensor's masterpieces as well as archival photographs and previously unpublished letters.