Elder with Blue Chal (the artist's grandmother) - 1881


Size (cm): 60x75
Price:
Sale price2.997,00 NOK

Description

The work "Elder with Blue Chal" by James Ensor, created in 1881, is an intimate and emotional portrait that shows the artist's grandmother in a contemplative pose. This painting not only stands out for its technical elements, but also for the deep sense of family connection it evokes. Ensor, a Belgian painter associated with symbolism and expressionism, moves between the use of faithful representation and a more personal aesthetic, characteristic of his singular style.

In the paint, the central figure is the old woman, portrayed with a bright blue shawl that wraps her head and shoulders. This chal, of a vibrant color, acts as a focus on the work, contrasting with the less saturated background that surrounds it. The choice of this color is not accidental; Blue can be interpreted as a symbol of wisdom and tranquility, aspects that are frequently associated with the figure of a grandmother. However, the use of color in the curly painting transcends simple symbolism, seeking to generate a more direct emotion a palpable affection that he experienced in his relationship with his grandmother.

The old woman's face, of traits marked by time, is represented with strong attention to detail. The expression lines are evident, reflecting both the fragility and the force that can be found in the elderly. His eyes, loaded with a deep look that seems to scrutinize the viewer, add a level of complicity between the painted figure and the observer. It is in this interaction where Ensor manages to capture not only the appearance, but also the essence of his subject, his life and his experiences.

As for the composition, the portrait is clearly centered, which allows the viewer's gaze to immediately address the figure of the grandmother. The background, barely defined and of earthly tones, works to accentuate the presence of the old woman and redirect attention to it. This technique of simplification of the rear space allows the figure to be perceived as more intense, almost three -dimensional, highlighting the central place of the family life it represents.

Thus, "old woman with chal blue" is not only a portrait, but also an emotional document of the personal history and a reflection on family and time. This piece embodies the desire to capture the love and respect that the artist felt towards his grandmother, preserving his memory at an eternalized time on the canvas. In the broader context of his work, this painting is between the influences of symbolism and the birth of expressionism. The sour works often explore the complexity of human emotions, and in this piece we find a clear manifestation of that sensitive and personal approach.

James Ensor, famous for his works that explore the human condition often from a surreal and provocative perspective, in this portrait it enters the intimacy of his family life. The mixture of texture, color and emotion creates an atmosphere full of nostalgia and affection, a work that, despite its formal simplicity, emanates a deep sense of history and humanity. Thus, this work remains a enduring testimony of the generational link and the reverence that can be had towards those who preceded us, capturing not only the image of a loved one, but also the spirit that nests in the memory of an artist.

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