My Dead Mother II 1915

James Ensor made this drawing, My Dead Mother II, in pencil on paper. What strikes me is the tenderness with which Ensor captures the memory of his mother. You can see it in the delicate shading that defines her face, the soft folds of her shroud. The physical act of drawing feels very present here. Look closely, and you can see the individual lines that build up the image. They’re not trying to hide; they’re part of the story. In the bottom left corner, there’s an inscription: “10 mars 1915 ma mère mort" – "my mother died." It’s like he's etching the memory into the paper. I’m reminded of Käthe Kollwitz, another artist who frequently dealt with themes of grief and loss in her work. Both artists share a similar commitment to raw emotional expression and the power of simple materials. Ultimately, Ensor’s drawing is a poignant reminder that art can be a powerful way to process and commemorate our deepest human experiences.