Vijf personages in een boot 1880 - 1885

James Ensor made this pencil drawing titled 'Five People in a Boat' sometime during his career, reflecting his connections to the Belgian coast. Ensor’s artwork invites us to reflect on the social fabric of maritime communities, and their work lives. The figures here could represent fishermen or working-class families of the region. We can view this work as part of a larger tradition in art history of depicting labor and everyday life, yet Ensor’s image does not overtly idealize the workers. The simple, unadorned nature of the sketch and the figures depicted prompts us to consider the social and economic realities of the time. The scene embodies the emotional and personal connection Ensor had with his local environment and society. This drawing becomes more than just a representation; it is an understated commentary on community, work, and the shared human experience.