Grieving Woman and Lion’s Head 1877 - 1879

James Ensor created this sketch with graphite on paper, a medium that allows for both precision and a sense of immediacy. The paper's texture subtly interacts with the graphite, influencing the artwork’s appearance, adding depth and dimension to the lines and shading. The artist used clear and precise lines, with a variety of hatching techniques, in which layers of fine parallel lines accumulate to create broader tonal values. This method is typical of classical draftsmen’s academic training, which values the skill of representing complex subjects through the precise control of a humble material. Ensor’s work reflects a broader social context, where traditional artistic skills were both valued and questioned in the face of industrialization and modern life. The amount of work involved in creating such a detailed and expressive drawing speaks to the artist's dedication to craft. Understanding the materials, making, and context of this artwork enriches our appreciation, revealing the artist's skill and their place within broader debates about the value of labor.