Van Iseghemlaan in Ostend 1880 - 1883

James Ensor, born in Ostend, Belgium, made this sketch of the Van Iseghemlaan, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite on paper. Ensor, straddling symbolism and early expressionism, often engaged with the social and cultural complexities of his time. In this simple sketch of his hometown, he captures more than just the architecture. The somber tonality and stark lines evoke a sense of isolation, which can be understood in the context of Ensor’s own feelings of alienation. He experienced a profound disconnection from the Belgian art establishment. His radical experimentation with light and shadow, and his penchant for the grotesque, often met with criticism. “Stupidity is radiant," Ensor once said, "it shines like the sun." In this light, the drawing transcends a mere depiction of place. It becomes a reflection of his internal state, and a commentary on the society that struggled to accept his unique vision. The Van Iseghemlaan, rendered with such starkness, invites us to consider the emotional landscape of an artist grappling with acceptance and recognition.