The Pancake Woman 1885 - 1886

"The Pancake Woman" is a pen and ink drawing by James Ensor, a Belgian artist known for his satirical and grotesque imagery. This 1885-1886 work depicts a group of figures, likely a gathering of street performers or vendors, with the central figure, known as the "Pancake Woman," seated in the foreground. Ensor's use of gestural lines creates a sense of energy and movement, capturing the lively and chaotic nature of the scene. The drawing showcases Ensor's early exploration of themes that would become central to his later works, such as social commentary, satire, and the exploration of the grotesque.