The Composer Hector Berlioz 

James Ensor's pencil drawing presents us with a portrait of the composer Hector Berlioz, dominated by a play of light and shadow. The artist uses a web of delicate lines to create a sense of depth and form. Ensor's technique captures something beyond mere likeness. The lines around Berlioz seem to vibrate, imparting a sense of nervous energy. We find an intersection between representation and expression. Here, line itself becomes a medium to destabilize traditional portraiture, moving beyond a simple representation of the sitter. Consider the significance of the unfinished background, juxtaposed with the detailed facial features. This contrast draws attention to the act of creation itself. It prompts questions about representation and the role of the artist in interpreting reality. It shows that artistic meaning lies not just in what is depicted, but also in how it is depicted.