The Small Boats 1894

Editor: This is "The Small Boats," an etching by James Ensor from 1894. The scene seems calm, almost ghostly, with these sailing vessels reflected in the water. It's incredibly detailed, but also feels ephemeral somehow. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, Ensor! He pulls us into a liminal space, doesn't he? The 'small boats' might be literal, or perhaps vessels of the soul embarking on some inner journey. The water...it isn't just water. It's a mirror, reflecting both what's there and what isn't, what's remembered and what’s dreamed. Do you sense that hazy light, almost a shroud? Editor: Yes, definitely a shroud. It's making me think of memories, and how they fade over time. Curator: Exactly. Ensor's use of line—notice how scratchy and restless it is—creates this feeling of impermanence. The boats are there, but barely. They’re about to dissolve back into the mist from whence they came. I always wonder if he was thinking about the fleeting nature of life, staring out at the sea, perhaps questioning his own path. It gives it all a sense of poignant mystery, don’t you think? Editor: I do. I initially just saw a pretty landscape, but now I see it's more of a…meditation. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Art, like life, rewards deeper dives. You brought fresh eyes to it; I rediscovered Ensor's wistfulness. It’s a good exchange, wouldn't you agree?