Staketsel – Pier te Oostende 1887

James Ensor created "Staketsel – Pier te Oostende," an etching which depicts a harbor scene enshrouded in a hazy atmosphere. Living in Belgium during a time of significant social change, Ensor experienced firsthand the shifts in class and culture that came with industrialization. His works often reflect a sense of unease with modernity. You can see how the rough, almost anxious lines convey a world in flux. This piece captures a port, and yet, the absence of vibrant activity brings about a melancholic sense of isolation. It seems that he is more focused on rendering mood than on portraying the working class, who were so essential to port cities. Instead, Ensor is focusing on an alternative narrative that emphasizes the emotional and personal dimensions of place. "Staketsel – Pier te Oostende" becomes a reflection on the changing societal landscape, experienced through individual emotion.