Christus kalmeert de storm op zee 1898

James Ensor made this print, Christus kalmeert de storm op zee, using etching. Here, Ensor depicts a dramatic scene from the Gospel in which Christ calms a storm at sea. In the late 19th century, when this was made in Belgium, the church’s authority was under pressure and modern science was rapidly advancing. Ensor would have been aware of these changes. The theme of Christ calming the storm at sea can be understood as a metaphor for humanity’s struggle against the chaos of nature and society. The image is dominated by the contrast between the dark, turbulent sea and the bright light emanating from Christ. Is Ensor presenting Christ as a figure of hope in a world of darkness and uncertainty? Or is he critiquing the church’s claims to power? To better understand the historical context of this print, we could research the religious and social movements of the time, as well as Ensor’s personal beliefs and artistic influences.