Les Deux moulins 

James Ensor painted “Les Deux Moulins” using oil on canvas in his native Belgium, though the exact date remains unknown. The windmills are the focal point, representing a traditional, rural past. It’s important to consider that Ensor was painting during a period of rapid industrialization in Belgium. The country was becoming an economic powerhouse, but this came at a cost. Industrial growth often led to social inequality. The image also creates meaning through its composition and color palette. The windmills are set against a flat, open landscape. This evokes a sense of spaciousness but may also hint at feelings of isolation. Ensor was known for his avant-garde approach to art, and it’s worth considering how his work might critique the art establishment of his time. Understanding an artwork like this requires archival research into the socio-political context. This helps us understand how art is a product of its time, reflecting the values, conflicts, and anxieties of the society in which it was created.