The Cathedral (La cathedrale) 1886

Here we see 'The Cathedral' by James Ensor, an etching showing an imposing cathedral looming over a dense crowd. The cathedral, historically a symbol of spiritual and communal unity, is rendered here with a palpable sense of overwhelming presence. Now, consider the motif of the crowd. From ancient Greek choruses to the masses in Renaissance paintings, crowds often represent collective emotion or social upheaval. The sheer density of this multitude evokes both a sense of collective power and a loss of individual identity, reflecting perhaps the anxieties of modern urban life. Think of how the depiction of crowds has evolved; from orderly gatherings celebrating religious events to chaotic assemblies demanding social change. Ensor captures a moment of transformation, where the traditional spiritual authority of the cathedral is confronted by the restless energy of the modern crowd. This image is deeply ingrained in our collective memory, a potent symbol of the tension between the sacred and the secular.