Schedels en maskers 1888

James Ensor made this etching, titled "Schedels en maskers," which translates to "Skulls and Masks," using metal plate and acid. The image comes from a tradition of memento mori, or reminders of death, but Ensor gives it a particularly modern spin. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate network of lines, carefully incised into the metal. This was achieved through a labor-intensive process. The plate was covered with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then the artist carefully scratched away the ground to expose the metal beneath. Immersed in acid, the exposed lines were then etched into the metal, creating grooves to hold the ink. When printed, the lines come alive, forming these macabre, theatrical images. This isn't just about mortality; Ensor is also commenting on the masks people wear in society, the ways we conceal our true selves, and the dance between life and death. The sheer labor involved in creating an etching like this adds another layer of meaning. It's a testament to Ensor's skill and dedication, a commitment to a craft-based process in an increasingly industrialized world.