Paarden, kar en werkman 1880 - 1885

James Ensor made this drawing, 'Horses, cart and worker', using graphite on paper. It's a straightforward combination of materials, but the way Ensor uses them is quite special. He's captured the scene with a flurry of quick marks, barely defining the figures of the man, horses and cart. The graphite is applied with varying pressure, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. But more than that, the sketch conveys the idea of labor itself, the physical exertion of the man and the harnessed power of the animals. This wasn't an age of tractors and diggers. The image gives us access to a moment in time when human and animal effort were the driving forces of industry. The drawing’s apparent simplicity belies a deeper engagement with the realities of work. It's a reminder that even the most humble materials can carry profound social and cultural significance, bridging the gap between fine art and the everyday experience of labor.