The Music in the rue de Flandre, Ostend 1890

James Ensor etched "The Music in the rue de Flandre, Ostend," capturing a parade surging through the heart of the city. At first glance, it is reminiscent of carnival. The parade, a recurring motif in Ensor's work, teems with life. But consider this: parades are ancient rituals, from triumphal processions of Roman emperors to religious festivals, they channel collective energy and express communal identity. Yet, there is a chaotic undertone. This hints at a darker, more subversive meaning. The notion of collective memory suggests that celebrations are as much about releasing societal tensions as they are about unity. This scene evokes a sense of heightened emotion, an almost frenzied state. In the ever-repeating theatre of human experience, Ensor’s parade becomes more than a depiction of revelry; it is a mirror reflecting our complicated relationship with identity, power, and the subconscious forces driving us. The parade marches on, carrying with it layers of meaning.