Verovering van een vreemde stad 1888

James Ensor likely created this etching, "Verovering van een vreemde stad," with a metal plate, acid, and a printing press. The image's fine lines and intricate details are achieved through a labor-intensive process of etching, where the artist carefully incises lines into the metal, which are then bitten by acid to hold ink. The material qualities of the etching—its delicate lines and tonal range—create a dreamlike depiction of a city. This is reinforced by the social context in which Ensor made his art; his etchings often reflected anxieties about industrialization and social upheaval. The meticulous work required for etching stands in stark contrast to the industrialized processes transforming society. By employing traditional craft techniques, Ensor challenges the dominance of mass-produced imagery, asserting the value of individual skill. The act of etching becomes a form of resistance, reclaiming agency in a world increasingly shaped by capitalist forces. In the end, we see how materials, process, and social context converge to give the artwork its full meaning, blurring the line between fine art and craft.