De Moord 1888

"De Moord" (The Murder) is an etching by Belgian artist James Ensor created in 1888. The print depicts a gruesome scene of a murder, with a group of figures gathered around a body lying on a table, blood dripping from the wound. The scene is highly stylized, with grotesque figures and exaggerated features, creating a disturbing and satirical atmosphere. This work exemplifies Ensor’s fascination with the macabre and his use of caricature to expose the hypocrisy and moral decay of society. The etching is an example of his signature style, characterized by vibrant colors, bold lines, and unsettling imagery, which makes this piece unsettling and memorable for viewers.