De Romeinse zegetocht 1890 - 1891

James Ensor, a Belgian artist, created this etching titled "De Romeinse zegetocht" which translates to "The Roman Triumph." Ensor lived through a time of significant social change and industrial advancement, but he was critical of the bourgeoisie. In this etching, he seems to mock societal structures and the pompous displays of power, using the historical context of a Roman triumph. The procession is teeming with figures and appears to be led by a figure in a chariot. The crowd seems to be a grotesque caricature of society. Ensor often used masks in his art as a way to represent the hypocrisy and superficiality he saw in the world around him. Notice the industrial buildings in the background, which hint at the march of modernity. Ensor lived through both world wars. His work gives a glimpse into the anxieties of a changing world. "The Roman Triumph" isn't just a historical scene; it’s a reflection on power, identity, and the absurdities of modern life.