Lost Painting by Belgian Artist Ensor Resurfaces at Brussels Auction House
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Loading... - Lea Zimmermann
- 03 Jul 2024
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A long-lost still-life painting by renowned Belgian painter James Ensor (1860-1949) has been discovered at Brussels auction house Arenberg Auctions after more than 80 years. The painting, a still life featuring pink and white flowers in a vase, represents a significant part of Ensor's artistic output.
The existence of this oil painting was previously known only through Ensor's notebook, which he kept from 1929 to 1941, according to Xavier Tricot, an expert on the painter. "The painting has now resurfaced for the first time," stated the auction house on its website. "It had been sitting with a private collector all this time."
An inscription in the sketchbook dates the painting to April 18, 1940, indicating that Ensor created it at the age of 80. He dedicated it to Mr. and Mrs. Demoulière, friends who collected his work. Tricot had earlier suggested the name "Dumoulin (?)" based on sketchbook details, but the auction house clarified the correct dedication.
The painting, along with an etching also dedicated to the Demoulière family, will be auctioned from June 27 to 29, starting at €10,000. Nine additional etchings by Ensor will be sold at the same time.
Although Ensor is not typically associated with still lifes, this genre forms a crucial part of his oeuvre. This was highlighted by the major exhibition "Rose, Rose, Rose à mes yeux. James Ensor and still life in Belgium from 1830 to 1930" at Mu.ZEE in Ostend in 2023-2024, the first exhibition devoted entirely to Ensor's still lifes.
The auction house expressed astonishment at the painting's reappearance after such a long period, underscoring its historical and artistic significance.
