- 28
James Ensor
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- James Ensor
- La Belgique au XIXe siècle (D. 90; T., E. 81)
- etching on wove
- plate: 177 by 240mm 7 by 9 3/8 in
- sheet: 199 by 285mm 7 7/8 by 11 1/4 in
Etching, 1889, printing with warm plate tone, the second (final) state of this extremely rare print, signed in pencil, countersigned in pencil verso, titled 'Le Roi Dindon' and inscribed 'Epreuve no. 5' verso, on simili japon, framed
Provenance
Ex coll. G. Behaegel, Pittem (not in Lugt)
Condition
With margins, in good condition, a tiny rubbed area in the centre of the image, a few inconspicuous creases in the right margin, two tiny rectangular tape stains at the extreme left sheet edge, minor surface dirt verso, framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In 1889, Ensor created his most potent and provocative satirical subjects, including the present lot, Belgium in the XIXth Century and Alimentation Doctrinaire (see lot 53). These resoundingly political prints have become particularly rare due to Ensor having withdrawn them from circulation in 1929, shortly after being made a Baron. In this print the artist illustrates the unrest and dissatisfaction of the Belgian people relating to the policies of their King, Leopold II. With a prominent banner referencing the demands of the Socialists for national service, compulsory schooling and universal suffrage, Ensor depicts a fretful crowd of city-dwellers being charged by the gendarmes beneath the all-encompassing gaze of the King.