Old Man with Flowing Beard 1880 - 1885

James Ensor made this drawing, Old Man with Flowing Beard, using pen and ink on paper. Ensor deliberately chose the immediacy of ink to make this work, employing simple materials to create an image, and focusing on the quality of line. The density of the ink creates dark areas, while the white of the paper brings out the highlights. The artist would have had direct contact with the paper through the pen, and it is this physical gesture that has made this artwork so captivating. Ensor has an appreciation for the expressive qualities of materials, and the work he put into manipulating them. Ensor also signed the work, indicating that he considered it a valuable commodity. Looking at this work, we can see how the artist’s process and materials contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the piece. The use of everyday materials like ink and paper underscores the value of direct human expression, challenging traditional distinctions between high art and craft.