De honden 1894

James Ensor made this sketch, "De honden", or "The Dogs", in 1934. Executed in pencil on paper, this intimate study offers a glimpse into Ensor's personal world, showcasing his affection for these unassuming animals. The sketch was dedicated 'to his friend Olympe Gilbert', perhaps a reflection of the close-knit artistic circles of Belgium at the time. Although Ensor is best known for his association with the avant-garde and his satirical depictions of bourgeois society, this work may come as a surprise. It reveals a softer side to the artist. He was working in a period marked by social and political tensions across Europe. Does this sketch represent a retreat from the world's turmoil, a search for solace in the simple companionship of animals? To fully understand this work, further research into Ensor's life and relationships, as well as the social and political contexts of 1930s Belgium, would be invaluable. It shows that the significance of a work of art lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its relationship to the world around it.