Vaas met vismotief en vrouw met bloemenvaas 1880 - 1885

James Ensor made this drawing of a vase with a fish motif and a woman with a vase of flowers using graphite on paper. The vase in the foreground stands out as a study in contrast, with areas of intense shading achieved through dense hatching, and other parts where the paper remains untouched. Notice how Ensor uses the inherent qualities of graphite to create a sense of volume and texture? The darkness and lightness of the graphite translate into a tactile experience. The fish motif is also heavily worked, suggesting a three-dimensional form, whereas the sketched woman with a flower vase is faintly drawn. It’s as if Ensor is exploring how much information he can get from a simple material. By choosing humble materials like graphite and paper, Ensor democratizes the artistic process. In doing so, he questions the traditional boundaries between high art and everyday life, and emphasizes the importance of materials and making in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.