Smarthistory with Flemish Master James Ensor

De Intrige van James Ensor zaalfoto

James Ensor, The Intrigue

Together with Smarthistory, an American not-for-profit organization for the study of art history, and the Center for Netherlandish Art at Museum of Fine Arts Boston, we are bringing a series of video conversations with curators on important Flemish paintings by artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Peter Paul Rubens, and James Ensor.

In this video Dr. Herwig Todts, Senior Research Curator at Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and Dr. Beth Harris discuss the artwork ‘The Intrigue’, 1890, by Flemish modernist painter James Ensor (1860 – 1949).

What's the story behind those masked faces, and did Ensor really find inspiration in a work by Peter Paul Rubens? Discover more in this video.

Intrigued by James Ensor? Discover the largest Ensor collection in the world at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and visit Ostend, the seaside city that inspired him and where he lived his entire life. 

James Ensor Zelfportret - MuZee_© Nick Decombel Fotografie
James Ensor Zelfportret - MuZee_© Nick Decombel Fotografie

James Ensor

James Ensor, a key figure in the history of modern art, was born and raised in Flanders. Discover his life and work in this article. 

The James Ensor house - Ostend 1_© Westtoer
The James Ensor house - Ostend 1_© Westtoer

Ensor in Flanders

Ensor’s home is and remains in Ostend. Explore the life of this modern North Sea Master and discover his legacy in Flanders’ art palaces. 

KMSKA-Ensor_© Woodmonkey
A woman and child admire a colorful painting of people in vibrant costumes, some in top hats, in a gallery. She captures it with a smartphone, evoking curiosity.

Ensor in Antwerp

Join us in Antwerp to celebrate the grand finale of the Year of Ensor with four world-class exhibitions. 

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