Fifrelin 1929

This drawing of Fifrelin was made by James Ensor, but we can't be sure exactly when. The artwork is lightly sketched in pencil or crayon, with a pale yellow palette and delicate lines. It's like Ensor has captured a fleeting idea, a whimsical vision of a character from a dream. I imagine him, quickly working, building up the image with light touches, almost as if he's afraid of breaking the spell. I find myself sympathizing with Ensor, wondering about the story behind this figure, who he called ‘Fifrelin.’ Maybe a character from a play he wanted to stage? The little hearts on the costume, the flower in its hand, so tender... He’s someone that’s been dreamt up. He seems like a sibling to other fabulist artists like Redon. What’s incredible about this artwork is how it shows the magic of art across generations. There's a sense of playfulness, a lightness of touch that speaks to the enduring power of imagination. It's about keeping the conversation going, and inspiring others to embrace the beauty of ambiguity and wonder.