Gezicht op Mariakerke 1900

James Ensor made this pastel landscape, titled 'View of Mariakerke', in 1902. Pastels may seem like simple art materials, but they’re actually quite sophisticated. They consist of pure pigment, mixed with just enough binder to hold them together. This gives them an intense, velvety quality. Ensor has exploited this to the fullest. See how he's built up the image with layers of short, broken strokes? The pastel allows him to capture the subtle variations of light across the open field. Notice the way the colors blend optically, creating a shimmering effect. This wasn’t just a matter of technique. Ensor was interested in the atmospheric conditions of the place, the unique character of the Belgian coast. And consider the economy of the marks. He’s captured a vast expanse with remarkable efficiency, transforming everyday materials into something truly evocative, challenging our assumptions about art and craft.