Christus bij de bedelaars 1895

James Ensor created this etching, "Christ among the Beggars", in Belgium during the late 19th century. The image shows Christ preaching to a motley crowd of the poor and disenfranchised. Ensor lived during a time of great social inequality, as industrialization and capitalism caused increased disparity. Here, he seems to critique the indifference of institutions, particularly the church, to the suffering of the poor, by portraying Christ as a beacon of hope for the neglected. Ensor was associated with avant-garde artistic circles and was known for his radical and critical attitude toward societal norms. To fully understand Ensor’s motivations, scholars research the social and political context of Belgium at that time, delving into historical documents, newspapers, and artistic manifestos. It’s through this process that the deeper meaning of the art becomes apparent. The artwork reflects and questions the social dynamics of its time, challenging the viewer to reflect on the role of art in social discourse.