Sloth (La paresse) 1902

James Ensor made this etching titled ‘Sloth’ using fine, intricate lines to depict a scene that's both grotesque and darkly humorous. It reminds me of the frenetic energy of some of Goya’s etchings. The entire composition is teeming with activity, rendered in stark black lines against the white of the paper. Look closely at the contrast between the frenzied activity outside the window and the inert figures in bed, this duality creates a sense of unease and tension. See how the lines are densely packed in areas of shadow, creating texture and depth, while other areas are left bare, giving a feeling of emptiness? Ensor’s work resonates with artists like Grosz and Dix, who were similarly exploring the darker aspects of human nature in the early 20th century. Art is never just about what you see, but how it makes you feel, and Ensor certainly knew how to stir up some unsettling emotions!