Outline of an Ornament 

Editor: Here we have James Ensor's ink drawing, "Outline of an Ornament," rendered on paper. The title feels a bit ironic; it’s hard for me to get past the rather forlorn, almost slumped figure. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, isn't it intriguing how a simple outline can evoke so much? To me, it whispers of the creative process itself. Ensor's known for his fantastical and sometimes grotesque imagery, but here, it's as if he's revealing a glimpse behind the curtain. Do you notice how the unfinished quality almost adds to its allure? Editor: I see what you mean! It feels so much more intimate than a finished, polished work. Curator: Precisely! And consider the word "ornament." Perhaps it's not just about the figure, but also about the act of embellishing, of adorning life, even when tinged with melancholy. It's like a visual poem, don't you think? It makes me wonder if it’s an exercise of form, not necessarily the final manifestation of the artistic pursuit but a journey to it. Editor: Absolutely. It's strange to find something so moving in its unfinished state. Thank you. I’m seeing it differently now! Curator: The beauty of art lies in its ever-shifting reflections. Each gaze brings a new story, a new resonance. That’s the power of a good outline, it has everything and nothing at once.