De gendarmes 1888

"De gendarmes" is an etching created by James Ensor in 1888. The artwork depicts a scene of chaos with a group of gendarmes, their faces distorted and grotesque, standing over a figure who appears to be unconscious. Ensor's etching is known for its sharp lines, exaggerated features, and dark humor, a style that became a signature of his artistic career. The piece reflects Ensor's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and his critique of societal hypocrisy, particularly the authority figures who often represented it.