Masks Confronting Death
James Ensor
Belgian, 1860–1949
1888
An oil on canvas in which James Ensor stages a grotesque, carnival-like confrontation between a shrouded figure and a ring of masks to probe mortality and social hypocrisy.
You first notice a crowded, uncanny assembly of puppet-like faces—thick, rubbed brushstrokes and pale, washed colors make the central white shroud read like a mute corpse amid leering, brightly hued masks.
This work exemplifies Ensor’s turn toward symbolist and proto‑Expressionist use of masks and the grotesque, opening a path for modern artists to use theatrical distortion to critique society and confront death.
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
32 x 39 1/2" (81.3 x 100.3 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Mrs. Simon Guggenheim Fund
Accession
505.1951
Palette
Exhibitions
