Portret van Dario de Regoyos schrijvende 1884 - 1886

James Ensor made this portrait of Dario de Regoyos, writing, in Belgium at the turn of the 20th century. It's a charcoal drawing on paper, capturing a fellow artist in a moment of creation. Consider the social status of artists at this time. Were they seen as skilled craftsmen or visionaries? Ensor, associated with the avant-garde group Les XX, was challenging the established art institutions and norms of his day. This drawing, with its loose, expressive lines, reflects a shift away from academic precision towards a more subjective, emotional representation. The act of writing itself, the generation of ideas, becomes the focal point. To understand Ensor's artistic choices fully, we delve into the history of art academies, the rise of independent artists' groups, and the changing patronage systems of the time. By exploring these historical and social contexts, we can appreciate how Ensor's work embodies the spirit of artistic experimentation and social critique.