The Entry of Christ into Brussels 1898

"The Entry of Christ into Brussels" is a complex and satirical etching by Belgian artist James Ensor, created in 1898. The print depicts a chaotic and crowded scene with a multitude of grotesque figures, masks, and banners. Ensor utilizes the biblical story of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem as a backdrop for his critique of contemporary Belgian society, with its hypocrisy and obsession with material goods. He uses dark humor and exaggerated detail to lampoon the bourgeoisie and clergy, highlighting their perceived superficiality and lack of genuine faith. This work exemplifies Ensor's signature style of expressionism, marked by vibrant colors and distorted figures, that would influence later generations of artists.