Helse optocht 1886 - 1887

James Ensor made this etching, titled ‘Health Outing,’ using metal plate printing. This intaglio process, developed in the 15th century, involves incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink to the plate, wiping the surface clean, and then using a high-pressure printing press to transfer the ink from the incised lines to a sheet of paper. Ensor’s expressive lines depict the march of skeletons and grotesque figures. The etched lines are the foundation of the composition, defining every form and contour. The controlled yet spontaneous nature of the etching technique allows for a wealth of detail. Ensor was deeply involved in the social issues of his time. His decision to use the printing press as a means of disseminating his work makes it accessible to a wider audience, and situates his art within a broader tradition of social commentary and political engagement. This print blurs boundaries between fine art and printmaking, while addressing the universal themes of mortality, society, and the human condition.