Het Schilderend Geraamte J. Ensor - 2-Panel

The Painting Skeleton masterfully portrays Ensor as mortal and artist. This self-portrait is a powerful summary of his career and struggle with his existence. Surrounded by masterpieces from his last decade, the painting combines self-mockery and fragility.

Whereas Ensor previously approached death with macabre humour, here he conveys a deeply personal story about life, art, and doubt. This work is thematically central to his oeuvre, in which death is a recurring motif. With this painting, Ensor gives a unique, intimate interpretation of the age-old memento mori, giving it an indispensable value in both his work and art history.