Les Toits a Ostende, 1903

Signed, dated and titled - Image 9.8 x 14.6 mm; 3 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches - Sheet 53 x 40 mm; 20 3/4 x 15 3/4 inches - Bibliography: Delteil, Croquez, Tavernier 120, Elesh 125 // James Ensor’s 'Les Toits à Ostende' is a 1903 etching depicting a view of the rooftops in the Belgian coastal town of Ostend, where Ensor lived for much of his life. This intimate cityscape offers a glimpse into the town's architecture, with clustered buildings, chimneys, and steeples, set against a cloudy, dynamic sky. The fine detail in the etched lines captures the textures of the rooftops and the atmospheric quality of the overcast sky. The perspective feels close, almost as if viewed from a window, evoking a personal and familiar connection to the town. This piece reflects Ensor’s ability to blend realism with a touch of his characteristic expressiveness, portraying the everyday scene with a sensitivity to light, space, and mood.