Dog 1880 - 1883

"Dog" is a graphite drawing by Belgian symbolist artist James Ensor. Created between 1880 and 1883, the work depicts two dogs, rendered in a loose, expressive style. Ensor, known for his often grotesque and satirical imagery, subtly captures the animals' canine essence through the use of light and shadow. The composition focuses on the dogs' heads and necks, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The image is executed with a distinctive use of hatching and cross-hatching, typical of Ensor's draftsmanship.