Avarice 1904

"Avarice," created in 1904 by Belgian artist James Ensor, is a vivid etching that satirizes the greed and corruption of society. The grotesque figures, including a monstrous creature with clawed hands, embody the vices of avarice, depicted as a game with gold coins. Ensor's use of exaggerated features and distorted forms contributes to the overall sense of unease and critique of human nature. This work is representative of Ensor's signature style, which often blended satire, symbolism, and a touch of the macabre.