Bosrand 1878

James Ensor sketched "Bosrand" in 1885, using graphite on paper. Ensor, a Belgian artist, was working at a time when the art world was rapidly changing. Artists were questioning academic traditions, with many exploring new styles and subjects, moving away from traditional landscape painting and toward urban scenes. This drawing, however, suggests a different path. It depicts a simple, almost stark, landscape. The scene evokes the rural, natural beauty, away from the industrial progress. Ensor's choice to depict this subject matter and his use of such a basic medium, can be seen as a comment on the changing values of the time. Was he critiquing the rapid urbanization and industrialization? Or perhaps he was simply finding solace in the quiet of nature? Understanding the historical context, through letters, critical reviews and institutional records, is crucial for interpreting Ensor's work and appreciating its place in the history of art.