James Ensor Exhibition at Royal Library of Belgium Celebrates 75 Years Since Death
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian artist James Ensor's death on November 19, 1949, Brussels will host the exhibition 'James Ensor. Inspired by Brussels' at KBR, the Royal Library of Belgium, from February 22 to June 2, 2024. This event follows a December 2023 showcase at Mu.ZEE and leads into 'James Ensor. Master' at Bozar, which opens on February 29, 2024. The exhibition will display over 75 lesser-known pieces, including drawings and engravings from the collections of KBR and RMFAB, the latter of which contains 23 paintings and 25 drawings spanning various periods. Director Sara Lammens commended the collaboration for improving access to shared cultural heritage.
Key facts
- James Ensor was born in Ostend in 1860 and died on November 19, 1949.
- Exhibition 'James Ensor. Inspired by Brussels' runs from February 22 to June 2, 2024 at KBR.
- The show follows a December 2023 exhibition at Mu.ZEE in Ostend.
- It precedes 'James Ensor. Master' at Bozar from February 29, 2024, then Antwerp in autumn.
- Over 75 works are displayed, including rarely exhibited drawings and engravings.
- KBR and RMFAB collections together hold over 200 Ensor works.
- The KBR Print Department bought 25 engravings in 1892; RMFAB acquired 'The Lamplighter' in 1895.
- Most recent acquisition is 'Torso of Laocoön' from 1878.
- Contemporary artists Fréderic Coché, Adriaan Marin, and Leen Van Hulst are featured.
- Sara Lammens is director general of KBR and interim director general of RMFAB.
Entities
Artists
- James Ensor
- Fréderic Coché
- Adriaan Marin
- Leen Van Hulst
- Joseph Van Overloop
- Paul Van der Perre
- Anna Boch
- Robert Goldschmidt
Institutions
- KBR (Royal Library of Belgium)
- RMFAB (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium)
- Mu.ZEE
- Bozar
- La Chrysalide
- Les XX
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Brussels
- Palace of Charles of Lorraine
- Rousseau family
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Ostend
- Antwerp