La Cathedrale (1re planche) 1886

"La Cathedrale (1re planche)" is an etching created by Belgian artist James Ensor in 1886. The artwork depicts the imposing facade of a Gothic cathedral, set against a backdrop of a teeming crowd. Ensor's use of detailed linework captures the intricate details of the architectural structure, while the dense mass of figures evokes a sense of both awe and unease. The etching, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases Ensor's fascination with the interplay between the sacred and the mundane. The artwork serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of faith, society, and the individual's place within a larger collective.