Caesar’s Denarius 1921

James Ensor made Caesar’s Denarius in 1912, probably using colored pencils. I imagine him hunched over the paper, working compulsively, his hand moving quickly across the surface. It’s interesting to me that Ensor chose a humble medium to represent what I imagine is a pointed critique of power and greed. The colored pencil feels almost childish, like the work of a naughty school kid making fun of figures of authority. Look at how he renders the faces; they’re grotesque, exaggerated, almost cartoonish. And the sun – is that a smiling sun, or is it sneering? I sympathize with Ensor, needing to unleash a little mischief. I wonder if the choice of colored pencil also relates to his larger project as a painter. He seems interested in pushing against the boundaries of good taste, or polite society. Painting can be like that, a space to let loose and make trouble.