Study of the Lion Hunt 

James Ensor made this pencil study for "The Lion Hunt" sometime in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in Belgium. Ensor, known for his avant-garde approach, was interested in challenging the established art institutions of his time. Here, the "Lion Hunt" is not just a depiction of a heroic scene, but perhaps a critical commentary on power, dominance, and the social hierarchies inherent in such displays. The sketch seems to mock the grand tradition of history painting. The figures are grotesque, with exaggerated features, and the lion itself appears less a symbol of untamed nature than a victim of a farcical spectacle. Ensor lived in a Belgium that was going through social change. His use of imagery can be interpreted as a reflection on the political unrest of the time. To fully understand Ensor's "Study of the Lion Hunt," researchers often delve into the social, political, and artistic context of Belgium at the turn of the century, examining exhibition records, art criticism, and political cartoons to understand the artist's world.