De grap van de olifant 1888

James Ensor made this drawing, "The Elephant's Joke," with pencil on paper. Ensor was a Belgian artist who lived through immense social change and political unrest in Europe. He spent much of his life in Ostend which was rapidly transforming into a tourist destination, and the effects of industrialization shaped his worldview. In this piece, a chaotic scene unfolds, with a cast of characters that blur the line between the real and the grotesque. Elephants roam freely, one even swallowing a person whole. Yet, it's the human figures, with their exaggerated expressions and outlandish costumes, that capture the eye. Many wear masks; a recurring motif in Ensor's work. Masks allow us to consider themes of identity, performance, and the hidden aspects of human nature. Ensor once said, "My intention was never to paint only amusing pictures. I wanted to paint the truth." His art frequently challenged social norms, and he used satire to reveal what he saw as the absurdity and hypocrisy of society. Through this phantasmagorical image, we can feel a sense of unease. It evokes both humor and a critical perspective on the human condition.