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Tom Gurney BSc (Hons) is an art history expert with over 20 years experience
Page Created on August 30, 2026 / Page Updated on November 6, 2026
Email: tomgurney1@gmail.com / Phone: +44 7429 011000

Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring: Introduction

Two skeletons bite opposite ends of a fish and pull. That is almost the whole event in James Ensor’s Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring, yet its ridiculous clarity keeps opening into further questions. Are these living dead exposing the futility of possession? Are they art critics tearing at the artist’s work? Is the herring a disguised Ensor? The panel makes every answer possible without letting any one of them exhaust the joke.

Its smallness matters. Painted in 1891 on a support only 16 by 21.5 centimetres, the quarrel is closer to a private comic object than a public spectacle. Ensor compresses rivalry, injury, death and wordplay into something that can be taken in at a glance, then rewards the closer look with unstable identities.[1][2]

At a Glance

  • ArtistJames Ensor (1860–1949).
  • Date1891.[1]
  • MediumOil on panel, signed “ENSOR” at the lower right.[1]
  • Dimensions16 × 21.5 centimetres, approximately 6.3 × 8.5 inches.[1]
  • CollectionRoyal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels, inventory 11156.[1]
  • SubjectTwo animated skeletons tug a cured herring between their jaws; scholars have interpreted the contest as a satire on critics and Ensor’s art.[2][6]

James Ensor in context

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. A Quarrel Built for Close Looking
  3. Jaws, Fish and a Pointless Victory
  4. What the French Title Adds
  5. An Artist Answering Criticism in 1891
  6. Is the Herring Ensor, His Art or Both?
  7. Humour, Hurt and the Painted Surface
  8. Not the Hanged Man Painting
  9. Collection History and Place among Ensor’s Paintings

A Quarrel Built for Close Looking

The panel is scarcely larger than an open paperback. Its landscape format gives the fish room to stretch horizontally, while the two skulls enter from opposing sides. There is little neutral space between them. Each skeleton has fixed its teeth around one end, so the central object becomes both prize and connection: neither antagonist can withdraw without surrendering it.

At normal viewing distance the pale skulls and long fish register first. Colour then separates the rivals. Red pushes forward on the left; green and a tall dark hat distinguish the figure at the right. The background is light and indefinite rather than a convincingly described room or landscape. That absence of setting prevents the fight from becoming an anecdote about two named people meeting in a particular place. It behaves more like an emblem, a cartoon or a stage gag.

The Royal Museums record fixes the physical facts: oil on a wooden panel, the date 1891, the signature at lower right and the unusually compact dimensions.[1] Those facts should govern any discussion of technique. Visible brushmarks and simplified forms contribute to the speed of the encounter, but there is no need to invent an elaborate technical history for a work whose current institutional entry offers no imaging or pigment analysis.

Jaws, Fish and a Pointless Victory

Ensor substitutes mouths for hands. The skeletons do not merely possess the herring; they clamp onto it, placing appetite and aggression in the same action. Because they have no flesh to nourish, their hunger is absurd. If one of them wins, a dead body will own a dead fish. The structure turns competition into a self-cancelling performance.

The skulls seem to grin because exposed teeth always do, but their poses give those grins different force. One head strains from the left, the other counters beneath its conspicuous hat. Clothing preserves social character after the bodies have been stripped to bone. Death has not erased vanity, role or rivalry. It has made them look more foolish.

This is not simply a conventional memento mori reminding viewers that everyone dies. The skeletons remain energetic actors. Ensor makes them carry on with recognizably human behaviour after death, a strategy that recurs throughout his masks, carnival and satire imagery. Inne Gheeraert’s thematic account stresses how masks, caricatures and grotesque figures gave him flexible instruments for frustration and nonconformity.[3] Here the instrument is bone.

What the French Title Adds

The museum records the French title Squelettes se disputant un hareng saur.[1] Se disputant conveys quarrelling or contending over something. Hareng saur means a salted, smoked or otherwise cured herring; “pickled herring” is the familiar English title, although “smoked herring” is closer to the French food term. The distinction is useful because the sound of the original phrase matters more than a perfectly literal menu translation.

When spoken, hareng saur can be heard as a play on art Ensor—“Ensor art.” This is the work’s most famous interpretation, but it should be introduced as wordplay proposed and developed by scholars, not as a secret code proved by an inscription. Patrick Florizoone reads the herring as Ensor’s alter ego and as a symbol of his art or soul being pulled apart.[2] Xavier Tricot likewise treats the fish as a self-image and identifies the two skeletal opponents with critics Édouard Fétis and Max Sulzberger.[6] The names are Tricot’s art-historical reading; the panel itself does not label either skull.

The pun makes the joke unusually personal. Without it, two skeletons fight over a cheap cured fish. With it, critics struggle over l’art Ensor, perhaps consuming, dividing or claiming authority over the artist’s production. The herring is still a herring, however, and its humble material presence keeps grand artistic grievance from becoming solemn. Ensor can picture himself as persecuted while making his chosen proxy deliberately undignified.

An Artist Answering Criticism in 1891

The year 1891 falls within Ensor’s sharp turn toward masks, skeletons, religious self-images and aggressive satire. His biography shows that he was neither wholly isolated nor universally rejected: he exhibited, helped found Les XX and maintained active networks. Yet criticism and tension within avant-garde circles became powerful material for his self-presentation. MoMA describes the larger practice through satire, performance, masking, travesty, self-fashioning and social engagement rather than through one simple story of victimhood.[4]

Florizoone places the herring panel among several tiny works from around 1890–92 that he interprets as psychologically charged self-images. In this account, Ecce Homo casts Ensor as a Christ attacked by critics, Man of Sorrows presents defeat, and the herring scene makes art itself the object being torn.[2] That grouping is illuminating because it connects the joke to genuine injury. It remains an interpretation of how the works function together, not documentary proof that the artist assigned each panel a single autobiographical meaning.

The critic reading also contains an ambivalence. Two antagonists fighting for the fish imply attack, but they also imply that the fish is worth fighting over. Critics may damage art through hostile judgment; they may simultaneously confer attention. Ensor’s satire lets him complain about scrutiny and imagine himself at the indispensable centre of it.

Is the Herring Ensor, His Art or Both?

The pun does not require a choice between portrait and symbol. A conventional self-portrait offers the artist’s recognizable features. This picture displaces him into an object with no human likeness at all. If the herring stands for “Ensor art,” then creator and creation have become verbally inseparable. An argument over the work becomes an attack on the maker, while the artist’s wounded identity becomes a comic still-life object.

That displacement belongs to Ensor’s broader habit of performing the self through roles. He could appear through Christ, a skeleton, costume or exaggerated persona rather than only through his face. In Christ’s Entry into Brussels in 1889, the small haloed rider has been read as a partial self-identification inside a vast public crowd. The herring panel reverses the scale and the tone: the whole drama is miniature, private and culinary.

The skeletons need not therefore be understood as Death arriving to seize Ensor. They behave as dead versions of ordinary human competitors. Compare Death Chasing the Flock of Mortals, where a scythe-bearing figure clearly pursues a whole social crowd, or Masks Confronting Death, where a central deathly presence faces a ring of masks. In the herring scene mortality is not an outside force. It is the condition under which petty rivalry absurdly continues.

Humour, Hurt and the Painted Surface

The work’s emotional economy depends on speed. Two profiles, one horizontal fish and a few contrasts are enough to establish a tug-of-war. Red and green create opposition without requiring realistic uniforms; the tall black headwear turns the right-hand skull into a caricatural type. Pale and loosely joined passages keep the action visually light even when the implied subject is an artist being mauled by judgment.

Oil on panel suits that concentration. A rigid, portable support can carry a small image with the presence of an object rather than the expansiveness of a mural. Ensor does not attempt anatomical instruction. Bone is simplified into jaw, socket, teeth and joint, retaining just enough structure for the antagonists to bite and pull. The economy is part of the humour: death has been reduced to two argumentative profiles.

Yet the painting is not emotionally weightless. If the fish is Ensor or his art, its central position is also a position of helplessness. It cannot release itself, answer back or control how it is divided. The scene converts resentment into form, then prevents self-pity from taking over by choosing such an absurd alter ego. Injury and laughter arrive together.

Not the Hanged Man Painting

The work must be distinguished from Skeletons Fighting over the Body of a Hanged Man, another Ensor painting associated with 1891. The Antwerp work is KMSKA object 1857, an oil on canvas measuring 59 by 74 centimetres. It presents dressed skeletons, a hanged figure and additional masked participants in a room-like, stage-like setting.[5]

The Brussels picture discussed here is Royal Museums inventory 11156, an oil on panel only 16 by 21.5 centimetres. It has two principal skeletons and a herring, not a hanging body. Shared words in the English titles, the same year and related macabre comedy make confusion understandable, but the supports, dimensions, collections and compositions are entirely different.[1][5]

The contrast is instructive. The larger Hanged Man builds a crowded theatrical episode out of weapons, costumes, masks and multiple uncertain roles. Pickled Herring strips conflict to a single line of tension. One invites narrative speculation; the other works almost like a rebus whose visual action and spoken title complete each other.

Collection History and Place among Ensor’s Paintings

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium record that the panel entered the Brussels collection through the 1990 bequest of Madame Alla Goldschmidt-Safieva. Its inventory number is 11156.[1] This concise provenance should not be expanded into an undocumented chain of earlier owners. The museum record establishes the immediate source by which the work joined the public collection.

Within Ensor’s paintings, the panel proves that physical size and imaginative reach are not equivalent. The immense Christ’s Entry makes the individual disappear in a mass; Pickled Herring reduces society to two mouths and one contested object. Both organize attention around a vulnerable central figure. Both also turn public judgment into spectacle, but the tiny panel delivers its argument as a compact visual insult.

The scene endures because it does not force humour and seriousness apart. Viewers can enjoy the bare-boned tug-of-war before learning any French. The pun then changes the fish into a possible signature, and the critic reading changes appetite into interpretation. Even after those discoveries, the picture remains open enough to speak about possession, rivalry and the strange afterlife of reputation.

Researched works directory

This searchable evidence census was assembled from public museum records and a reproducible Wikidata snapshot. It is not a catalogue raisonné, a claim to complete oeuvre coverage, or a substitute for Xavier Tricot's printed catalogue, which was not consulted for this directory.

1515 artworks

NameDateMedium
1. Decor (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
10. Hélio (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1911–1929Print
11. Murmuramis (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1912–1929Print
12. Grimacet, Craco-Cigaret... (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
13.-14. Popofigue & Germina (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1912–1929Print
15. Puerilla & Pollen (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1912–1929Print
16. Muzikanten II (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
17. Vuurwerkboeket (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
18. De schelpen (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
19. Het Luminisme - het Kubisme - de Gravure (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1912–1929Print
2. Brutonne (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1911–1929Print
20. Spar - Huisje uit Neurenberg - Racket (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1911–1929Print
21. Duivel - Houten soldaat - Pop (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1912–1929Print
22. Cimbaalspelers (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1917–1929Print
3. Grognelet (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
3 studies van een dame met parasol1880Drawing
4. Miamia (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
5. De bedelares (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
6. Fifrelin (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
7. Muzikanten (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1911–1929Print
8. Pituiton met de lange neus (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1929Print
9. Corylopsis (uit: La Gamme d'Amour)1911–1929Print
A Colourist1880Painting
A field with a working man and womanDate unknownDrawing
A Gust of Wind at the Edge of the Forest (Coup de vent a la lisiere)1888Print
A l'aube1880Drawing
A Man and a WomanDate unknownDrawing
A Path in a Wood1879Painting
Aanbidding door de koningen1921Print
Aanstormend legerDate unknownDrawing
Aantekeningen van James EnsorDate unknownDrawing
Acacia1888Print
Academic study of a nudeDate unknownDrawing
AccaciaDate unknownDrawing
Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise1887Painting
Adoration des Bergers1888Print
Affiche van "Salon des Cent", Parijs1888–1898Print
Affiche van "Salon des Cent", Parijs1898Print
Affiche voor het carnaval van Oostende1931Print
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Afternoon in Ostend1881Painting
Album Containing Drawings and Illustrated Letters1883Drawing
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Alimentation doctrinaire1889Print
Anatomische studie en twee figurenDate unknownDrawing
Anger1904Print
Anger (La colere)1904Print
Antiek pistoolDate unknownDrawing
Antieke kop1870Drawing
Arabische ruiter door leeuw aangevallen1880Drawing
Arabische ruiter en paardDate unknownDrawing
Arabische ruiter in galopDate unknownDrawing
Arms and HandsDate unknownDrawing
Astonishment of the Mask Wouse1889Painting
Au conservatoire1902Painting
Auto-da-fe1893Print
Autoportrait auprès d'une lampe1886Print
Autumn Flowers1938Painting
Avarice1904Print
Avarice (L'avarice)1904Print
Azaleas1925Painting
BabyDate unknownDrawing
Baby en arm1870Drawing
Bacchanal1877Painting
Back of a Chair1880Painting
Badkoets, bruggetje en kleine marineDate unknownDrawing
Bal masqué à la MonnaieDate unknownDrawing
Ballet1921Print
Balletscène1900Drawing
Baptism of the Masks1891Painting
Baron James Ensor, his bad angel, his coat of arms1934Painting
Barques échouées1888Print
Bataille des éperons d'or1895Print
Bataille entre llion et tigre1880Drawing
Bateaux à vapeur, PK.MP.048981889Print
Bateaux à vapeur, PK.MP.048991889Print
Bathers (Curved and Wavy Lines)1916Painting
Bathing-hut1876Painting
Battle of the beggars Désir and Rissolé1888Print
Battle of the Beggars Desir and Rissole (Combat des pouilleux Desir et Rissole)1888Print
Battle of the Golden Spurs1890Print
Battle of the Golden Spurs1895Print
Battle of the Golden Spurs1897Print
BaviaanDate unknownDrawing
Beach at La Panne1904Print
Beached Boats1888Print
Bed met troonhemelDate unknownDrawing
BedkastDate unknownDrawing
Beeldje op consoleDate unknownDrawing
Beggars Receiving Alms at the Door of a House1880Drawing
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Bijbelse scènes, uitgeveegd1870Drawing
Biljartspelende geraamten1903Drawing
BloemDate unknownDrawing
Bloemen en vlinders1889Painting
Blue Flask and Chicken1925Painting
Boats Aground1888Print
Boer met paardenspan en Marie ColombierDate unknownDrawing
Bolhoed en schoen1880Drawing
BomenDate unknownDrawing
Bootje en figuur1880Drawing
Bosgezicht in Groenendaal1888Print
Bosgezicht te Groenendaal1888Print
Bosje1888Print
Bosrand1878Drawing
Boulevard d'Iseghem, Ostende1889Print
Boulevard Van Iseghem, Ostend1889Print
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Bruggetje (?)1889Drawing
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Buste1887Print
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Carnival in Flanders (Zürich)1927Painting
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Chaloupes1888Print
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Chimaera1888Print
Chimère1888Print
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Chinoiserie1885Drawing
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Chinoiserie, een krijger1885Drawing
Chinoiserie, een man1885Painting
Chinoiserie, een ooievaarDate unknownDrawing
Chinoiserie, een oude vrouwDate unknownDrawing
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Chinoiserie, een zittende man1885Drawing
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Christ Tormented by Demons1895Print
Christ Walking on Water1883Painting
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Christus drijft de duivel uit het het lichaam aan een bezetene1921Print
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Christus tussen de moordenaars1921Print
Christus voor zijn rechters1921Print
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Combat des pouilleux Désir et Rissolé1888Print
Combat of the Rascals Désir and Rissolé1888Print
Combat of The Rascals Désir et Rissolé1888Print
Comical Repast (Banquet of the Starved)1917Painting
Contes d'Horace van Offel - Le diable au moulin1934Print
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Crypte1888Print
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Dahlias1932Painting
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DameDate unknownDrawing
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Dame en twee herenDate unknownDrawing
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De afgunst1903–1904Print
De Amsterdamse lakenhandelaar Nicolaas van Bambeek1880Drawing
De baden van Oostende1891Drawing
De baden van Oostende1899Print
De bekoring van Christus1888Print
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De besnijdenis1921Print
De bespotting van Christus1921Print
De boeteprocessie van Veurne1930Drawing
De boomgaard1886Print
De boomgaard1900Print
De briefschrijfster (Ensors zuster)1883Drawing
De brug van het bos te Oostende1889Print
De brug van SixDate unknownDrawing
De bruiloft van Kana1913Drawing
De cataclysmen1888Print
De componist Hector BerliozDate unknownDrawing
De crypte1888Print
De daken van Oostende1900Print
De dood achtervolgt de mensenkudde1896Print
De duivels Dzitts en Hihanox leiden Christus naar de hel1895Print
De eerste stapjes1880Drawing
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De gefopte boeren1893Drawing
De gendarmes1888Print
De geseling1921Print
De gevilde1888Print
De gierigheid1903–1904Print
De gierigheid1904Print
De goede rechters1894Print
De gramschap1903Print
De gramschap1903–1904Print
De grap van de olifant1888Drawing
De gulzigheid1903–1904Print
De Heilige Geest verlicht de apostelen1921Print
De herstellende ziekeDate unknownDrawing
De honden1894Drawing
De hoofdzonden gedomineerd door de Dood1903–1904Print
De hoogmoed1903–1904Print
De intocht van Christus te Brussel1898Print
De kathedraal1896Print
De kleine bron en andere figuren1880Drawing
De kleine schuiten1894Print
De knaap1880Drawing
De kokette dood (maskers)1922Print
De kruisafneming1921Print
De KruisafnemingDate unknownPainting
De kruisiging1921Print
De kus van Judas1921Print
De luiheid1902Print
De luiheid [De moeder van de kunstenaar]1888Drawing
De minnetuin1888Print
De molen van Mariakerke1889Print
De molenduivel1934Print
De Moord1888Print
De moord op de onnozele kinderen1921Print
De ontucht1888Print
De Oostendse Visser1900Drawing
De oude schelmen1895Print
De oudjes of de tijdDate unknownDrawing
De pakjesdragers1880Drawing
De pijproker, profiel en handen1880Drawing
De poel met populieren1889Print
De processie van Gistel1934Print
De putruimer1896Print
De regenten van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Een figuurDate unknownDrawing
De regenten van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Twee figuren1880Drawing
De Rembrandtplaats te Amsterdam1890Drawing
De Romeinse zegetocht1890Print
De roof der Sabijnse maagdenDate unknownDrawing
De schaduw op het huis1933Print
De schilder Alfred William Finch - en studie met flessen1880Drawing
De slaapster1887Print
De Slag der Gulden Sporen1895Print
De slechte geneesheren1895Print
De soldenierDate unknownDrawing
De spelers1895Print
De terugkeer van de kalvarieberg1921Print
De tuin van liefdeDate unknownPainting
De Turkse school is uitDate unknownDrawing
De Van Iseghemlaan in Oostende1889Print
De Van Iseghemlaan in Oostende, schrijvende man (recto)1880Drawing
De vechtersbazen1896Print
De vermenigvuldiging van de vissen1891Print
De verschrikkelijke boogschutter1888Print
De verzoeking van de Heilige Antonius1930Drawing
De visser1880Drawing
De vissers (De ellendelingen)1932Print
De waterdrinkerDate unknownDrawing
De wonderbare visvangst1921Print
De wraak van Hop-Frog1898Print
De zieke vrouwDate unknownDrawing
De zielenmissen voor B. de HazeDate unknownDrawing
De zilverling van Caesar1888Print
De zilverling van Caesar1921Print
De zoom van het bosje te Oostende1888Print
De zuster van Ensor aan het klavierDate unknownDrawing
Death and the Masks1897Painting
Death Chasing the Flock of Mortals1896Print
Death Dominating the Deadly Sins (Les Peches capitaux domines par la mort): front.1904Print
Delicacies1938Painting
Demons Teasing Me1895Print
Demons Teasing Me: Poster for the James Ensor Exhibition at the Salon des Cent in Paris1898Print
Demons Torment Me (Les Démons me turlupinant)1898Print
Der Tod und der Arzt beim Grabstein1880Drawing
Des filles de Sparte luttantDate unknownDrawing
Detail van afsluiting1900Drawing
Detail van een kapstokDate unknownDrawing
Deux régentes1880Drawing
Devils Thrashing Angels and Archangels1888Print
Devils Trashing Angels and Archangels1888Print
Diable rossant anges et archanges1888Drawing
Diables rossant anges et archanges1888Print
Diables rossant anges et archanges1889Print
Die Löwenjagd1880Drawing
Dienstbode (recto)1880Drawing
Dining single man1880Drawing
Diploma voor het X° Landjuweel1933Print
Dish, bottles and candlestickDate unknownDrawing
Doctrinaire voeding1889Print
Doctrinal Nourishment1889Print
Dode monnikDate unknownDrawing
Don Quichotte1870Drawing
Don Quichotte1884Drawing
Don QuichotteDate unknownDrawing
Don Quichotte en 4 gezichten1870Drawing
Don Quichotte en hoofdDate unknownDrawing
Don Quichotte en paardekopDate unknownDrawing
Doodshoofden en Willy Finch in de duinen (recto)1888Drawing
Doordruk van 2709/33Date unknownPrint
Dorpskerk omringd door bomenDate unknownDrawing
Double Self Portrait1900Drawing
Draaitrap en figurenDate unknownDrawing
Dramatische scène1883Drawing
Drie figurenDate unknownDrawing
Drie heren in gesprekDate unknownDrawing
Drie hollandse boerinnetjesDate unknownDrawing
Drie honden1880Drawing
Drie insektenDate unknownDrawing
Drie klimmende heren en koppenDate unknownDrawing
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Drie varkenskoppenDate unknownDrawing
Drie zeilboten en een windmolen1920Drawing
DuingrasDate unknownDrawing
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Dunes1883Painting
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Edge of the Little Wood Ostend1888Print
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Elisabeth Bas1880Drawing
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Ensor and Leman discussing painting1890Painting
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Ensor en Generaal Leman1890Drawing
Ensor en zijn muze1937Drawing
Ensors slapende moeder en figuren1880Drawing
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Envie1904Print
Envy1904Print
Envy (L'envie)1904Print
Ernest Rousseau1887Print
Estacade, PK.MP.049031887Print
Estacade, PK.MP.049041887Print
Execution by GarroteDate unknownDrawing
Extraordinary Musicians1888Print
Fall of the Rebel Angels1889Painting
Fans and Fabrics1881Painting
FantasiaDate unknownDrawing
Fantastische muzikanten1888Print
Fantastische vogelDate unknownDrawing
Farm at Leffinghe1889Print
Feeding of the Five Thousand (La multiplication des poissons)1891Print
Femme assise vue de dosDate unknownDrawing
Femme et scène de taverneDate unknownDrawing
Ferme à Leffinge1889Print
Figuren1870Drawing
Figuren1880Drawing
FigurenDate unknownDrawing
Figuren en hoofden1870Drawing
Figuren en ringkan (recto)1880Drawing
Figuren en slijpsteenDate unknownDrawing
Figuren en tekstDate unknownDrawing
Figuren uit de liefdestuinDate unknownDrawing
Figuren (verso)1880Drawing
Figures in Front of a Poster of La Gamme d’amour (after The Entry of Christ into Brussels in 1889)1925Painting
FiguurDate unknownDrawing
Figuur en fornuis met kookpotten1880Drawing
Figuur op de rug gezienDate unknownDrawing
Fish and Shells1895Painting
Fisher couple1874Painting
Fisherman falling in the water1880Drawing
Fisherman of Ostend1900Print
Fisherwoman1882Painting
Fishing-Boats1888Print
Flaying a Convict1888Print
Flemish Farm1888Print
Fles (recto)1888Drawing
Floral Still Life with Skulls1908Painting
Floretten1880Drawing
Flowers1892Painting
Flowers and blue vase1909Painting
Flowers and Chinese Vases1896Painting
Flowers and fruit1938Painting
Flowers and Masks1929Painting
Flowers and Vegetables1896Painting
Flowers in a VaseDate unknownDrawing
Footpath at Groenendael1888Print
Forest at Groenendael1888Print
Fort Napoleon1876Painting
Fort Wellington1876Painting
Fragment van een boom, stilleven op een barokke tafel, kruik en figuren (verso)1880Drawing
Fragment van raam met opgetrokken overgordijnDate unknownDrawing
Fragment van vaasDate unknownDrawing
Fridolin and Gragapança of Yperdamme1895Print
Fridolin and Grapapança of Yperdamme1895Print
Fridolin en Gragapança van Yperdamme1895Print
Fridolin et Gragapanca d'Yperdamme1895Print
Fries met monstertjesDate unknownDrawing
Frise, The Swedish Botanist1886Print
Frolics of Tenuous Puppets Transformed into Flowers (from the series Les Opalines)1913Print
Frontispice1921Print
FrontispiceDate unknownPrint
Frontispice (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
Gathering in a Park1936Painting
Gathering in a Park (Assemblee dans un parc)1891Print
Gebonden album "La Gamme d'Amour1912–1929Print
Gebonden album "Taferelen uit het leven van Christus1921Print
Geërgerde maskers1895Print
Gefolterde (?)Date unknownDrawing
Gehurkte man met petroleumbusDate unknownDrawing
Geïntrigeerde maskers1904Print
GenretafereelDate unknownDrawing
Genretafereel en ornamentDate unknownDrawing
Geraamte dat zich wil verwarmenDate unknownDrawing
Geraamten die zich willen warmen1895Print
Gestrande schuiten1888Print
Gevallen Arabische ruiter met steigerend paardDate unknownDrawing
GevelDate unknownDrawing
Gezicht op de haven van Oostende1888Print
Gezicht op Mariakerke1900Drawing
Gezicht op Oostende in het oosten1888Print
Girl1880Drawing
Girl with Masks (Communion)1921Painting
Girl with upturned Nose1879Painting
Gluttony1904Print
Gluttony (La gourmandise)1904Print
GordijnroedeDate unknownDrawing
Gourmandise1904Print
Grand View of Mariakerke1887Print
Grande vue de Mariakerke1887Print
Grey Seascape1880Painting
Groep gemaskerde muzikantenDate unknownDrawing
Groep hoge bomen1890Drawing
Groep ruitersDate unknownDrawing
Groep soldaten en burgersDate unknownDrawing
Groteske figuren1912Drawing
Groteske figuurDate unknownDrawing
Group of Trees1888Print
HamletDate unknownDrawing
Hand en degenDate unknownDrawing
Hand met geweerloopDate unknownDrawing
HandenDate unknownDrawing
Handen en ornamentDate unknownDrawing
Handen en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Hangklok en hoeden1880Drawing
HavengezichtDate unknownDrawing
Heer en dame aan tafel1912Drawing
Heer en kelnerDate unknownDrawing
Heer en twee gehurkte figuurtjesDate unknownDrawing
Heer met hoge hoedDate unknownDrawing
Heilige Familie1921Print
Hemelvaart1921Print
HengstDate unknownDrawing
Herbergscène met dansend boerenpaar (verso)1880Drawing
Het afscheid van Napoleon1896Print
Het balkonDate unknownDrawing
Het betoverd meubel1888Print
Het doopsel van Christus1921Print
Het fantastische bal1889Print
Het gesprekDate unknownDrawing
Het gevecht1896Print
Het grote dok in Oostende1888Print
Het laatste avondmaal1921Print
Het modelDate unknownDrawing
Het onweer1889Print
Het spook1889Print
Het strand van De Panne1904Print
Hippogriff, Evil Spirits, Interior Elements1880Drawing
Hoed en silhouet1918Drawing
Hoek in het atelier met kachelvoet, kist en figuren1880Drawing
Hoeve1920Drawing
Hoeve te Leffinge1889Print
HoevedakenDate unknownDrawing
Hollandse kastDate unknownDrawing
Hond1880Drawing
Hoofd van een fluitspelende vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Hoofddekseltjes en boerinnetjesDate unknownDrawing
Hoofden1870Drawing
Hoofden1882Drawing
Hoofden1900Drawing
HoofdenDate unknownDrawing
Hoofden en stillevenDate unknownDrawing
Hooiopper met windmolen, boot en kleine hoeve1888Drawing
Hooiopper, roeiers in kano, windmolenDate unknownDrawing
Hop-Frog1898Print
Hop-Frog's Revenge1885Print
Hop-Frog's Revenge1895Print
Hop-Frog's Revenge1898Print
Hop-Frog's Revenge1922Print
Horses and silhouettes1880Drawing
House on the Boulevard Anspach1888Print
Houses, a street lamp and a carriage1885Drawing
Houses on the Boulevard Anspach in Brussels(Maisons du boulevard Anspach a Bruxelles)1888Print
Huis met bomenDate unknownDrawing
Huis met torenerker1890Drawing
Huis, narren, portretDate unknownDrawing
Huis op de Anspachlaan1888Print
Huisjes in Mariakerke1888Print
Huizen en peervormig torentjeDate unknownDrawing
Hutten1888Print
I. L'AnnonciationDate unknownPrint
I. Maria-boodschap (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
Icône - Portrait of Eugène Demolder1893Painting
II. De aanbidding der wijzen (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
II. L'Adoration des MagesDate unknownPrint
III. De moord op de onnozele kinderen (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
III. Le Massacre des InnocentsDate unknownPrint
In de logeDate unknownDrawing
In the Dunes1883Painting
Inneming van een vreemde stad1888Print
Insectes singuliers1888Print
Insectes singuliersDate unknownPrint
insectsDate unknownDrawing
Interieur met open haardDate unknownDrawing
Intrede in Jeruzalem1921Print
Iston, Pouffamatus, Cracozie and Transmouffe, famous Persian physicians, examining the Stool of Darius1886Print
Iston, Pouffamatus, Cracozie and Transmouffe, famous Persian physicians, examining the Stool of Darius after the battle of Arbela1886Print
Iston, Pouffamatus, Cracozie and Transmouffe, Famous Persian Physicians, Examining the Stools of King Darius after the Battle of Arbela1886Print
Iston Pouffamatus Cracozie Transmouff célèbres medecins persans examinant les selles du Roi Darius après la bataille d'Arbelles1886Print
Iston, Pouffamatus... examining the Stool fo Darius1886Print
IV. De vlucht naar Egypte (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
IV. La Fuite en EgypteDate unknownPrint
IX. De zilverling van Caesar (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
IX. Le denier de CésarDate unknownPrint
Jardin d'amour1888Print
Jardin d'amour1925Painting
Jardin d'amour (PK.MP.01200)1888Print
Joan of Arc1880Drawing
Jonge Picardiërs bij een oefening met lansenDate unknownDrawing
Jonge vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Jongen met zwaardDate unknownDrawing
Judit en Holofernes1879Painting
Kaasklok en lissenDate unknownDrawing
Kachel en figuren (recto)1880Drawing
KarnavalfiguurtjesDate unknownDrawing
Kerkje van TholenDate unknownDrawing
Kind op rug gezien1880Drawing
King Pest1880Drawing
King Pest1895Print
Klassiek academiemodel1878Drawing
Klein gezicht op Mariakerke1887Print
Klein gezicht op Mariakerke1900Print
Klein meisje en ornamentDate unknownDrawing
Kleine vreemdsoortige figuren1888Print
Koets1890Drawing
Koets en twee heren1880Drawing
Koffertje en zwaardDate unknownDrawing
KoffiekanDate unknownDrawing
Koning Pest1895Print
Koningin Parysatis1890Print
Kop en drie hondenDate unknownDrawing
Kop in vooraanzicht en in profielDate unknownDrawing
Kop, schoteltje en figuren (recto)1880Drawing
Köpfe1880Drawing
KopieDate unknownDrawing
Kopie naar GoyaDate unknownDrawing
Kopie naar GrévinDate unknownDrawing
Kopie naar Salvator RosaDate unknownDrawing
Kopje en afdrukDate unknownDrawing
KrabbelDate unknownDrawing
Krabbel: militairenDate unknownDrawing
Krabbel van marineDate unknownDrawing
Krabbel van ornament?Date unknownDrawing
Krabbels met houtskoolDate unknownDrawing
KroegtafereelDate unknownDrawing
Kroonkandelaar en vaas1888Print
Kruiwagen en figuren (recto)1880Drawing
Kruiwagen, figuren en schets1880Drawing
L'Acacia1888Print
L'Amour MoissonneurDate unknownDrawing
L'ange exterminateur1889Print
L'archer terrible1888Print
L'assassinat1888Print
L'écorché1888Print
L'entrée du Christ à Bruxelles en 18891889Print
L'Entrée du Christ à Bruxelles en 18891898Print
L'Hôtel de ville de Bruxelles1885Painting
L'orage1889Print
La Blague de l'éléphant1888Print
La Cathédrale1860Print
La Cathédrale1886Print
La dormeuse (rare)1887Print
La gamme d'amour1926Painting
La Lisiere du bois d'Ostende1888Print
La Madeleine1887Print
La mort poursuivant le troupeau des humains1896Print
La multiplication des poissons1891Print
La musique Rue de Flandre à Ostende1890Print
La prise d'une ville étrange1888Print
La reine Parysatis écorchant un eunuque1900Print
La SyreneDate unknownDrawing
La Tentation du Christ1888Print
La vengeance de Hop-Frog1898Print
Laat de kleinen tot mij komen1921Print
Lady Godiva1933Print
Lady Singing1880Drawing
Landelijke brug1889Print
Landscape with waterfalls1875Painting
Landschap met kerktoren en windmolenDate unknownDrawing
Landschap met kruisDate unknownDrawing
Landschap met molen en laag wolkendek1890Drawing
Landschapsfragment met waterrad en twee figuren (verso)1880Drawing
Lantaarn en kruiwagen1870Drawing
Large Basin of Ostend Harbor (Le Grand Bassin, Ostende)1888Print
Large seascape - Sunset1885Painting
Large View of Mariakerke1887Print
Large View of Mariakerke (Grande vue de Mariakerke)1887Print
Laute spielender EngelDate unknownDrawing
Le Bal fantastique1889Print
Le Ballet Féerique (Le Jardin D'Amour)1925Painting
Le bassin d' Ostende1888Print
Le Botaniste Scandinave Frise1886Print
Le Boulevard van Iseghem, Ostende1889Print
Le Cathédrale1886Print
Le Christ apaisant la tempète1886Print
Le Christ aux Mendiants1895Print
Le Christ dans la barque1898Print
Le Christ descendant aux enfers1895Print
Le Christ montré au peuple1886Print
Le Christ tourmenté (Christ Tormented)1888Painting
Le cortège infernalDate unknownDrawing
Le coup de vent à la lisière1888Print
Le Denier de César1888Print
Le Fantôme1889Print
Le feu d'artifice (Fireworks)1887Painting
Le grand bassin d' Ostende1888Print
Le Meuble hanté1888Print
Le moulin de Slykens (PK.MP.01186)1891Print
Le moulin de Slykens (PK.MP.01187)1891Print
Le Pisseur1887Print
Le Pont du Bois à Ostende1889Print
Le Réverbère1888Print
Le Roi Albert et son temps1932Print
Le Roi peste1895Print
Le verger1886Print
Leeuw en schildpad1880Drawing
Leeuw met haas1880Drawing
Leeuwin die prooi verscheurtDate unknownDrawing
Les adieux de Napoleon1897Print
Les Bains à Ostende1899Print
Les barquesDate unknownDrawing
Les bons juges1894Print
Les cataclysmes, Vision devançant le futurisme1888Print
Les Cuisiniers dangereux1896Drawing
Les Demons me turlupinant1895Print
Les Diables Dzitts et Hihahox menant le Christ aux enfers1895Print
Les étoiles au cimetière1888Print
Les gendarmes1888Print
Les Insèctes Singuliers1888Print
Les masques1922Print
Les Masques et la Mort1898Painting
Les Mauvais médécins1895Print
Les patineurs1889Print
Les petites barques1894Print
Les peupliers1889Print
Les toits à Ostende1903Print
Les Vieux Polissons1895Print
Lezende man1880Drawing
Lezende man en hoofdenDate unknownDrawing
Liggende leeuw1880Drawing
Liggende vrouw1908Drawing
Light stripped of leaves1936Painting
LionDate unknownDrawing
Little Houses at Mariakerke1888Print
Little View of Mariakerke1887Print
Little View of Mariakerke1900Print
Lust1888Print
Lust (La luxure)1888Print
Luxure1888Print
Ma tante chérieDate unknownPainting
Madam Gratiot1880Drawing
Man, drinkglas en figuurtjes1881Drawing
Man en boot, stoelDate unknownDrawing
Man en plantDate unknownDrawing
Man en twee gehurkte figuurtjesDate unknownDrawing
Man in profiel1917Drawing
Man met baardDate unknownDrawing
Man met hoed1880Drawing
Man met petDate unknownDrawing
Man met verfpot1880Drawing
Man of Sorrows1891Painting
Man steunend op een stokDate unknownDrawing
Mand met vruchten1935Drawing
Mannelijke naaktenDate unknownDrawing
Manshoofd in profielDate unknownDrawing
Marche des Rotariens Ostendais1923Print
Maria Boodschap1921Print
Marine met duin en zeilboten1917Drawing
marine / zeegezicht1910Painting
Marionet en schouwstijlDate unknownDrawing
Mars van de Oostendse Rotariërs1922–1923Print
Mars van de Oostendse Rotariërs1923Print
Mask and Crustaceans1891Painting
Masked womanDate unknownDrawing
Masks1925Painting
MasksDate unknownDrawing
Masks Confronting Death1888Painting
Masques Scandalisés1895Print
MateriaalstudieDate unknownDrawing
Mazurka Caprice de James EnsorDate unknownArtwork
Meadow Flowers1883Painting
Meeting in a Park1891Print
Meisje1885Drawing
Meisje met wipneus (?) en Arondskelken1880Drawing
Meisje met witte voorschoot1880Drawing
Mejuffrouw Zucchi van de 'Eden'Date unknownDrawing
MensenmenigteDate unknownDrawing
Menu Charles Vos1896Print
Menu for Charles Vos1896Print
Menu for Ernest Rousseau1896Print
Menu pour Charles Vos1896Print
Menu pour Ernest Rousseau, PK.MP.049061896Print
Menu pour Ernest Rousseau, PK.MP.049071896Print
Mery Laurent met mopshondDate unknownDrawing
Mijn dode moeder1915Drawing
Mijn dode moeder II1915Drawing
Mijn dode moeder III1915Drawing
Mijn dode moeder IV1915Drawing
Mijn dode tante1916Drawing
Mijn dode vader1888Print
Mijn handen1928Drawing
Mijn moeder bij naaiwerk (verso)Date unknownDrawing
Mijn portret1905Drawing
Mijn portret in 19601888Print
Mijn portret met doodshoofd1889Print
Mijn tanteDate unknownDrawing
Mijn zuster en schets van een schilderij1880Drawing
Militair te paard, en stoelDate unknownDrawing
Militairen1880Drawing
MilitairenDate unknownDrawing
Militairen en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Minnetuin1888Print
Mitche1880Drawing
MitcheDate unknownDrawing
Mitche Ensor1885Drawing
Model of a ship1885Drawing
Moeder van Ensor1870Drawing
Moeder van Ensor1880Drawing
Moeder van EnsorDate unknownDrawing
Moeder van Ensor en silhouetten1880Drawing
Moeder van Ensor - voet en handen1880Drawing
Molen te Slykens1891Print
Mon père mort1888Print
Mon père mort, PK.MP.049151888Print
Mon père mort, PK.MP.049161888Print
Mon Portrait en 19601888Print
MonkeyDate unknownDrawing
Monniken bij het balspelDate unknownDrawing
MonotypeDate unknownDrawing
Monsters and Caricatures1888Drawing
Mordecai's Triumph1880Drawing
Moses and the Birds1924Painting
Mother of Rembrandt and other Figures1880Drawing
moulin: Slykens1891Print
Mountain Landscape1890Drawing
Mountain LandscapeDate unknownDrawing
Music in the Vlaanderenstraat1891Painting
Music-making group1877Drawing
Music on the Rue de Flandres1890Print
Musiciens fantasques1888Print
Muziek in de Vlaanderenstraat in Oostende1890Print
My Dead Father1888Print
My Favorite Room1892Painting
My Portrait as a Skeleton1889Print
My Portrait in 19601888Print
My Skeletized Portrait1889Print
My Sleeping Aunt Dreaming of Monsters1888Drawing
Mythologische scène1877Drawing
Naaiende handenDate unknownDrawing
Naaiwerk (De handen)Date unknownDrawing
Naakten en harlekijnenDate unknownDrawing
Naked boy1878Painting
Napoleon's Farewell1897Print
NarrenDate unknownDrawing
Nature morte au canard1910Painting
NeptunusDate unknownDrawing
NeushoornDate unknownDrawing
Nimfen1923Drawing
OdaliskDate unknownDrawing
Old Lady with Masks1889Painting
Old man1878Painting
Old Man with Flowing Beard1880Drawing
Oostende, gezicht vanuit het stationDate unknownDrawing
Oostendse verhalen door Theo HannonDate unknownDrawing
Oostendse visser1900Print
Oosters paarDate unknownDrawing
Op de koerstribune1880Drawing
Open haardDate unknownDrawing
Openstaand raam met loodglasDate unknownDrawing
OperascèneDate unknownDrawing
Opgebonden overgordijnDate unknownDrawing
OpheliaDate unknownDrawing
Orchard (Le Verger)1886Print
Orgueil1904Print
Ornament - Head of a monsterDate unknownDrawing
Ornament - kopDate unknownDrawing
Ornament - LeeuwenkopDate unknownDrawing
Ornament - Lion's headDate unknownDrawing
Ostend Harbour1900Painting
Oude vrouw en kindDate unknownDrawing
PaarDate unknownDrawing
Paar in interieurDate unknownDrawing
Paar voor rustbed1880Drawing
Paard en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Paarden en hoek van zitbankDate unknownDrawing
Paarden en tekstDate unknownDrawing
Paarden en vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Paarden en zittende manDate unknownDrawing
Paarden, kar en werkman1880Drawing
Paresse1902Print
Pear, grapes and nuts1889Painting
Péchés capitaux dominés par la mort1904Print
Pécheur d'Ostende, PK.MP.049181900Print
Pécheur d'Ostende, PK.MP.049191900Print
Pécheur d'Ostende, PK.MP.049201900Print
Peculiar Insects1888Print
Pen and inkpot on a glass dish1885Drawing
Peonies and Poppies1883Painting
Perplexed Masks1904Print
Peste dessous, peste dessus, peste partout!1904Print
Petite vue de Mariakerke1887Print
Petite vue de Mariakerke1900Print
Petite vue de Mariakerke (PK.MP.04893)1887Print
Pierrot and Skeleton in a Yellow Robe1893Painting
Pierrot and skeletons1906Painting
Pierrot's despair1910Painting
Pigs1875Painting
Pink Dancer (from the series Les Opalines)1913Print
Plage de La Panne1904Print
Plage de La Panne (PK.MP.04897)1904Print
Plague here, Plague there, Plague everywhere1888Drawing
Poezen en raam1870Drawing
Pollution Under, Pollution over, Pollution All Around1904Print
Popje1886Drawing
Porcelaines et Masques1929Painting
Portrait d'Ernest Rousseau1887Print
Portrait D'Hector Denis1890Print
Portrait de Augusta Bogaerts (La Sirene)Date unknownPainting
Portrait du professeur Ernest Rousseau1887Print
Portrait of a Boy1906Painting
Portrait of a Man1880Drawing
Portrait of a ManDate unknownDrawing
Portrait of Emile Verhaeren1890Painting
Portrait of Hector Denis1890Print
Portrait of René Coens1937Drawing
Portrait of the Artist Henry de Groux1883Drawing
Portrait of the Artist's Father1881Painting
Portrait of the Artist's Mother1882Painting
Portrait of the Artist Willy Finch1883Drawing
Portrait of the Artist’s Mother1885Painting
Portrait of Willy Finch1882Painting
Portret van Alexandra Daveluy1927Painting
Portret van Dario de Regoyos schrijvende1880Drawing
Portret van een vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Portret van Ernest Rousseau1887Drawing
Portret van Hector Denis1890Print
Portret van mijn moeder en figuren1880Drawing
Portret van Willy Finch1888Drawing
Portret van Willy Finch op de rug1880Drawing
Poster of La Plume1922Print
Poster of the Carnival at Ostend1931Print
Pouilleux indisposé se chauffant1895Print
Pride1904Print
Pride (L'orgueil)1904Print
Programma van de opvoering van het ballet "La Gamme d'Amour" - Schouwburg Oostende 17 december 19321932Print
Pronkkast en figuren1880Drawing
Publicitaire sluitzegel voor het carnaval van Oostende1931Print
Puzzled Masks1904Print
Queen Parysatis1899Print
Regentessen van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Een figuur1880Drawing
Regentessen van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Handen1880Drawing
Regentessen van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Mouw van een regentes1880Drawing
Regentessen van het Oudemannenhuis in Haarlem. Twee paar handen1880Drawing
Rembrandt's Self Portrait1880Drawing
Rendez notre ancienne face fors les chers faux nez burlesques1923Drawing
René LyrDate unknownDrawing
Reptiel en dierenkopjeDate unknownDrawing
Return from Calvary1877Painting
Return of the prodigal son1877Painting
Reverences of Puppets before Cydalise (from the series Les Opalines)1913Print
Rocaillemotief (verso)1888Drawing
Roi Peste1895Print
Roman Triumph1889Print
Roman Victory1889Print
Roofs at Ostend1903Print
Rooftops of Ostend1885Painting
Rue du Bon Secours, Brussels1887Print
Rue du Bon Secrous, Brussels1887Print
Ruiter1870Drawing
Ruiter van de lichte artillerieDate unknownDrawing
Russian Music1881Painting
Rustend paarDate unknownDrawing
Rustend vrouwelijk naaktDate unknownDrawing
Rustende vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Rustic Bridge1889Print
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows1880Drawing
Satan and the Fantastic Legions Tormenting the Crucified (The Sad and Broken) (recto)1886Drawing
SaterDate unknownDrawing
Satire of Laurent TailhadeDate unknownDrawing
Scandalized Masks1895Print
Schedels en maskers1888Print
Schets naar oude meester en figuren (recto)1880Drawing
Schetsblad met ChristusbeeldDate unknownDrawing
Schetsblad met ruitersDate unknownDrawing
Schetsblad met staande manDate unknownDrawing
Schetsbladen op een bladDate unknownDrawing
SchetsboekDate unknownDrawing
Schetsen1880Drawing
Schetsen van figuren en paarden (recto)1880Drawing
Schetsen van handenDate unknownDrawing
SchildpadDate unknownDrawing
Schouw en handen1887Drawing
Schrijvende man1880Drawing
Schrijvende of lezende manDate unknownDrawing
Schrijvende vrouw op rug gezien1882Drawing
Seascape1880Painting
Seashells1896Painting
Seashells1936Painting
Seashells and Chinoiseries1882Painting
Seaside1923Painting
Seated Boy1880Drawing
Seated ManDate unknownDrawing
Seated WomanDate unknownDrawing
Selbstporträt umringt von Köpfen1900Drawing
Self Portrait1870Drawing
Self Portrait1880Drawing
Self-Portrait1885Drawing
Self-Portrait1886Print
Self PortraitDate unknownDrawing
Self-portrait with flowered hatc. 1885–1888 (inscribed 1883)Painting
Self-Portrait (with lamp)1886Print
Self-Portrait with Lamp (In the Dark)1886Drawing
Self-portrait with masks1899Painting
Self-Portrait with Masks1937Painting
Series of MasksDate unknownDrawing
Sick Wretch Warming Himself1895Print
Sierpot en paard1880Drawing
Silhouette of a Woman, Mitche and a Lock1885Drawing
Silhouetten1880Drawing
Silhouetten1917Drawing
Silhouetten1918Drawing
SilhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Silhouetten en 2 figuren op de rug gezienDate unknownDrawing
Silhouetten en hoofden1880Drawing
Silhouetten en karDate unknownDrawing
Silhouettes1880Drawing
Silhouettes and grotesque figures1880Drawing
Silhouettes Studies of walking figuresDate unknownDrawing
Skelet bekijkt chinoiserieën1910Painting
Skeleton Looking at Chinoiseries1885Painting
Skeleton Painter in his Studio1896Painting
Skeletons fighting over a Hanged Man1891Painting
Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring1891Painting
Skeletons in Fancy Dress1898Painting
Skeletons in the Studio1900Painting
Skeletons seeking warmthDate unknownPrint
Skeletons Trying to Warm Themselves (Taevernier: Warmth Seeking Skeletons)1895Print
Skeletons Warming Themselves1889Painting
Skulls and Masks1888Print
Slapend meisjeDate unknownDrawing
Slapende en wakende vrouw1880Drawing
Slapende honden1880Drawing
Slapende moeder van Ensor1915Drawing
Slapende oude vrouw1880Drawing
Slapende oude vrouw1895Drawing
Slapende oude vrouw1897Drawing
Slapende oude vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Slapende vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Sloepen1888Print
Sloops1890Painting
Sloth1902Print
Sloth1904Print
Sloth (La paresse)1902Print
Small Bizarre Figures1888Print
Small House at Mariakerke1888Print
Small View of Mariakerke1900Print
Smid en kandelaarDate unknownDrawing
Smidse met twee figuren (recto)1880Drawing
Smile of Carnations, Caress of Daisies1936Painting
Snuisterijen en figuren1883Drawing
Soldaat en monnikDate unknownDrawing
SoldatentruppDate unknownDrawing
Soldier and horseDate unknownDrawing
Sorciers dans la bourrasque1888Print
Sous-bois à Groenendael1888Print
Spijskaart voor Charles Vos1896Print
Spitting manDate unknownDrawing
SpookgestalteDate unknownDrawing
Squall at the Edge of the Wood1888Print
Square Rembrandt, Amsterdam graphicDate unknownPrint
Squelettes voulant se chauffer1895Print
Squelettes voulant se chaufferDate unknownDrawing
Staande en zittende zigeunersvrouwDate unknownDrawing
Staande figuur op de rug gezienDate unknownDrawing
Stadhuis van Oudenaarde1888Print
Stand of Trees (Bouquet d'arbres)1888Print
Stapel boeken1880Drawing
Steam-Boats1888–1889Print
Steamboats1889Print
Steamships1889Print
SteekspelDate unknownDrawing
Sterrenhemel boven het kerkhof1888Print
Still-life (Fabrics)1880Painting
Still Life in the Studio1889Painting
Still life with a cabbage1921Painting
Still Life with Blue Jar1890Painting
Still Life with Blue Pitcher1891Painting
Still Life with chinoiseries1880Painting
Still Life with Chinoiseries1906Painting
Still-life with duck1880Painting
Still Life with Fish and Shells1898Painting
Still Life with Geranium1882Painting
Still-life with Masks1896Painting
Still Life with Oysters1882Painting
Still Life with Sea Shells1923Painting
Still Life with Tulips and Roses1882Painting
Stilleven met blauwe chinoiserieënDate unknownPainting
Stilleven met flessenDate unknownDrawing
Stilleven met groenten1882Painting
Stilleven met kaarsDate unknownDrawing
Stilleven met saterDate unknownDrawing
Stilleven met visserslampDate unknownDrawing
Stilleven, spiegel, zittende figuurDate unknownDrawing
Stillleben mit blauer Flasche und gerupftem Huhn - 4420 - Österreichische Galerie Belvedere1910Painting
Storm at the Edge of the Wood1888Print
Straat in Oostende (?)1895Drawing
Straat naast het kanaalDate unknownDrawing
Straatlantaarn1888Print
Strand- en zeegenoegens1890Drawing
Strand von Ostende - 2122 - Kunsthaus Zürich1915Painting
Strandtent en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Streaming water1913Drawing
StudieDate unknownDrawing
Studie met flessen en koppenDate unknownDrawing
Studie van badende vrouwenDate unknownDrawing
Studie van dame met parasolDate unknownDrawing
Studie van drie staande en een zittende figuur [recto: De bergrede]Date unknownDrawing
Studie van een badende vrouwDate unknownDrawing
Studie van een wild dierDate unknownDrawing
Studie van handen en hoofden1880Drawing
Studie van houdingenDate unknownDrawing
Studie van kerstgroepenDate unknownDrawing
Studie van kopprofielen en van handen1880Drawing
Studieblad van de leeuwenjachtDate unknownDrawing
Studies for a Portrait of a Woman1885Drawing
Studies van voorovergebogen hoofd1880Drawing
Sunrise1880Drawing
Tafel, kruiken, roemer, figuren (verso)1888Drawing
Tafel met leeuwenkoppenDate unknownDrawing
Taferelen uit het leven van Christus1921Print
Taskin als wonderdokter in Hoffmann's vertellingenDate unknownDrawing
Tekeningen uit de collectie van het KMSKADate unknownDrawing
TekstDate unknownDrawing
Tekst en hoofd van een vrouw met bril en figuren (verso)1880Drawing
Tenhemelopneming van Maria1921Print
Terugkeer van de berenjacht in het steentijdperkDate unknownDrawing
The absinthe drinker1880Drawing
The Acacia (L'acacia)1888Print
The Adoration of the Shepherds1887Painting
The Adoration of the Shepherds1888Print
The Adoration of the Shepherds (The Joyful)1886Drawing
The Afternoon Nap (recto)1880Drawing
The artist's aunt1880Drawing
The artist's father in deathDate unknownDrawing
The artist's mother1880Drawing
The Artist's Mother in Death1915Painting
The artist's sister Mitche and figureDate unknownDrawing
The Artist's Studio1930Painting
The Assassination1888Print
The Assassination1890Painting
The Bad Doctors1892Painting
The Bad Doctors1895Print
The Bad Doctors graphic1895Print
The Baths at Ostend1890Painting
The Baths at Ostend1899Print
The Baths at Ostende1899Print
The Battle of the Golden Spurs1891Drawing
The bird-garden1936Painting
The Bourgeois Salon1881Painting
The Bourgeois Salon II1911Painting
The Breakwater1878Painting
The Bridge in the Wood at Ostend1889Print
The Bridge in the Woods, Ostend (Le pont du bois a Ostende)1889Print
The cabbage1880Painting
The Canal1921Painting
The Cataclysms1888Print
The Cathedral1886Print
The Cathedral1886–1896Print
The Cathedral (La cathedrale)1886Print
The Cathedral (The Troopers Kès and Pruta Entering the City of Bise)1892Drawing
The Cemetery1888Print
The City Hall in Audenarde (L'hotel de ville d'Audenarde)1888Print
The CoachDate unknownDrawing
The Combat1896Print
The Convalescent1880Painting
The ConversationDate unknownDrawing
The Crypt1888Print
The cuirassiers of Waterloo1891Drawing
The Dangerous Cooks1896Painting
The Dead Cockerel1894Painting
The Dead SoldierDate unknownDrawing
The Deadly Sins Dominated by Death1904Print
The Death of the Holy Virgin1880Drawing
The Destroying Angel1889Print
The Devil and the Windmill1934Print
The Devils Dzitts and Hihahox, Commanded by Crazon Riding a Furious Cat, Leading Christ to Hell1886Drawing
The Devils Dzitts and Hihahox, Commanded by Crazon Riding a Furious Cat, Leading Christ to Hell1895Print
The Devils Dzitts and Hihanox Leading Christ into Hell1895Print
The Devils Dzitts and Hihanox Leading Christ to Hell1895Print
The dissolute mercenaries1892Drawing
The edge of the wood in Ostend1886Painting
The Elephant's Joke1888Print
The Entry of Christ into Brussels1895Print
The Entry of Christ into Brussels1898Print
The Entry of Christ into Brussels (L'entree du Christ a Bruxelles)1898Print
The Exterminating Angel1889Print
The Exterminating Angel (L'ange exterminateur)1889Print
The Fantastic Ball1889Print
The Fantastic Musicians1888Print
The Fight1896Print
The Fight1925Painting
The Flagellation1886Print
The Flaying1888Print
The foolDate unknownDrawing
The Gamblers1895Print
The Gamblers1896Print
The garden at café Tivoli in Ostend1876Painting
The Garden of Love1888Print
The Garden of Love1921Painting
The Garden of Love (1891)1891Painting
The Garden of Love (Toyota)1888Painting
The Garden of the Rousseau Family1885Painting
The Gendarmes1888Print
The gendarmes1892Painting
The Ghost1889Print
The Goldsmith Jan LutmaDate unknownDrawing
The Good Judges1894Print
The Grotesque Musicians1888Print
The GuitaristDate unknownDrawing
The Hands of Elisabeth Bas1880Drawing
The haunted cabinet1888Print
The Haunted Furniture1888Print
The Hunter1888Print
The Ice Skaters (Les Patineurs)1889Print
The infernal cortege1880Print
The Infernal Cortege1887Print
The Intrigue1890Painting
The Jolly HuntersDate unknownDrawing
The Journalist Paul de CassagnacDate unknownDrawing
The lady in blue1881Painting
The Lady in Distress1882Painting
The Lady with Fan1880Painting
The Lady with Red Parasol1880Painting
The lampionsDate unknownDrawing
The Lamplighter1880Painting
The Lamplighter1886Drawing
The language of flowers1938Painting
The Lighthouse at Ostend1885Painting
The Magdalene1887Print
The Main Dock of Ostend1888Print
The Main Dock, Ostend1888Print
The Marquise1911Painting
The Marsh1880Painting
The Mask's Wedding1926Painting
The Master PainterDate unknownDrawing
The Melancholy Fishwives1892Painting
The Multiplication of the Fishes1891Print
The Murder1888Print
The Music in the rue de Flandre, Ostend1890Print
The Mystical Death of a Divine1880Drawing
The Old Rascals1895Print
The Old ... Raskals1895Print
The Orchard1886Print
The Oyster Eater1882Painting
The Painter Alfred William Finch1880Painting
The Painter Edouard Manet1880Drawing
The Painter Edouard ManetDate unknownDrawing
The Painter Eugène DelacroixDate unknownDrawing
The Painter Gustave CourbetDate unknownDrawing
The Painter Jan Asselijn or "Crabbetje1880Drawing
The Painter Jean François MilletDate unknownDrawing
The Pancake Woman1880Drawing
The Parasol1880Painting
The piano1880Drawing
The Pisser1886Print
The Pisser1887Print
The Playwright Emile AugierDate unknownDrawing
The Poet Jean RichepinDate unknownDrawing
The Pool of the Poplars1889Print
The Pool of the Poplars graphic1889Print
The Port of Ostend (Vue du port d'Ostende)1888Print
The Procession at Gistel1934Print
The Procession of the Penitents at Furnes1935Painting
The Ray1892Painting
The Rebel Angels Struck by Lightning1907Print
The red mullet1880Painting
The Riding CropDate unknownDrawing
The Roman TriumphDate unknownDrawing
The Rooftops of Ostend1884Painting
The rooftops of Ostend1901Painting
The Rower1883Painting
The Savoy Cabbage1884Painting
The scaffolding1880Drawing
The Scandalized Masks1883Painting
The Scavenger1896Print
The Scoundrels1896Print
The Seashells (Columbus)1895Painting
The Shadow on the House1933Print
The Skate1880Painting
The Skaters1888–1889Print
The Skaters1889Print
The Sleeper1887Print
The Small Boats1894Print
The Sombre Lady1881Painting
The Stars in the Cemetery1888Print
The strange masks1892Painting
The Street-Lamp1888Print
The strike1888Drawing
The Supper at Emmaus1880Drawing
The Temptation of Christ1888Print
The Temptation of Christ1913Painting
The Temptation of Saint Anthony1887–1888Drawing
The Temptation of Saint Anthony the Great1927Painting
The Terrible Archer1888Print
The Thunderstorm1889Print
The Tournament1894Drawing
The Tribulations of St. Anthony1909Painting
The Triumph of the Death1887Drawing
The Van Iseghemlaan in the snow1881Painting
The Vengeance of Hop-Frog1896Painting
The Virgin of Consolation1892Painting
The Wait1880Painting
The War of the Snails1911Print
The White Cloud1884Painting
The Windmill at Mariakerke1889Print
The wise judges1891Painting
The Wise Judges1894Print
The Youth of OrpheusDate unknownDrawing
Theatre of Masks1889Painting
Theatre of Masks (1908)1908Painting
Theo Hannon1880Drawing
Theo Hannon1881Painting
Theo Hannon met pijp1880Drawing
Three Silhouettes (recto)1880Painting
TijgerjachtDate unknownDrawing
Toilettafel met wasstel en spiegelDate unknownDrawing
TolstoïDate unknownDrawing
ToneelfigurenDate unknownDrawing
ToneelfiguurDate unknownDrawing
Toneelscène1910Drawing
Tovenaars in de stormwind1888Print
Town Hall of Audenaerde1888Print
Trap, man, gebladerte (detail)Date unknownDrawing
Treurende vrouw en leeuwenkop1870Drawing
Tribulations of Saint Anthony1887Painting
Triomftocht van een Romeinse VeldheerDate unknownPrint
Triomphe romain1889Print
TrommelaarDate unknownDrawing
Twee danseressenDate unknownDrawing
Twee figurenDate unknownDrawing
Twee figuren en ornamentDate unknownDrawing
Twee herenDate unknownDrawing
Twee heren en pauwDate unknownDrawing
Twee honden1894Drawing
Twee hoofddeksels en boerinnetjesDate unknownDrawing
Twee hoofdenDate unknownDrawing
Twee hoofden, paar, handDate unknownDrawing
Twee knapen in het gras1880Drawing
Twee koperen potten (verso)1880Drawing
Twee kopjes en afdrukDate unknownDrawing
Twee koppen en een hand1880Drawing
Twee militairenDate unknownDrawing
Twee naakten op de rug gezienDate unknownDrawing
Twee ridderfigurenDate unknownDrawing
Twee trappen en mandDate unknownDrawing
Twee vrouwenDate unknownDrawing
Twee vrouwen en een theoloogDate unknownDrawing
Twee windmolens, zeilboot en kleine marineDate unknownDrawing
Twee zeilbotenDate unknownDrawing
Twee zeilboten en een windmolen1950Drawing
Tweearmige pianokandelaar en muziekbladDate unknownDrawing
Two ArabsDate unknownDrawing
Two DogsDate unknownDrawing
Two draught horsesDate unknownDrawing
Two Gentlemen SmokingDate unknownDrawing
Two heads and a spinning-wheelDate unknownDrawing
Two masks1880Drawing
Two masksDate unknownDrawing
Two Nude FiguresDate unknownDrawing
Two spoons and a curtain1885Drawing
Two WomenDate unknownDrawing
Two women on a beachDate unknownDrawing
Un bon coin chez moi1938Painting
Under the Shadow of Masks1925–1937Painting
UntitledDate unknownPrint
V. De Heilige Familie (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
V. La Sainte FamilleDate unknownPrint
Vaas en vliegende eendDate unknownDrawing
Vaas en voeten (recto)1880Drawing
Vaas met bloemenDate unknownDrawing
Vaas met bloemen en schelp1932Drawing
Vaas met bloemornamentenDate unknownDrawing
Vaas met vismotief en vrouw met bloemenvaas1880Drawing
Vaas, paard en figuren (verso)1880Drawing
Vaas, spinnewiel, soldaten, vrouwenDate unknownDrawing
Vader (?) en moeder van Ensor1870Drawing
Van Iseghemlaan, Oostende1889Print
Van Izegemlaan in Ostend1880Drawing
Varken en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Verhaal zonder woorden (of) De jagers in de winter1881Drawing
Verovering van een vreemde stad1888Print
Verpesting beneden, verpesting boven, verpesting overal1904Print
verzameling van 184 etsenDate unknownPrint
VI. De besnijdenis (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
VI. La CirconcisionDate unknownPrint
Vier naaktenDate unknownDrawing
Vier schouwburgbezoekersDate unknownDrawing
View of a beach with two boatsDate unknownDrawing
View of a street with a barrow, a streetlamp and a man sitting on a benchDate unknownDrawing
View of Mariakerke1901Painting
View of Nieuport1888Print
View of Ostend in the East1888Print
View of Phnosie, luminous waves and vibrations1890Painting
View of the Ostend Harbour1888Print
View of the Van Iseghemlaan1906Painting
VII. De doop van Christus (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
VII. Le Baptême du ChristDate unknownPrint
VIII. Christus bij de schriftgeleerden (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
VIII. Le Christ et les docteursDate unknownPrint
Vijf personages in een boot (verso)1880Drawing
Village Fair at the Windmill1889Print
Vissen op een schotelDate unknownDrawing
Visser met paardDate unknownDrawing
VlamDate unknownDrawing
Vleugel tegen zonnestralenDate unknownDrawing
Vlucht naar Egypte1921Print
Vlugge schetsen van bedelaarsDate unknownDrawing
Voetpaadje in Groenendaal1888Print
Voetpaadje te Groenendaal1888Print
Vogel en hond bij takDate unknownDrawing
Voor de alcadeDate unknownDrawing
Voorovergebogen figuren1880Drawing
Voorovergebogen figuur en tekstDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw aan klavier en Alfred William FinchDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw die pannenkoeken baktDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw en hondjeDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw, handen en kar1881Drawing
Vrouw in profiel gezienDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw - man en paard1880Drawing
Vrouw met hoedDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw met kind, zittend en staand paarDate unknownDrawing
Vrouw met naaiwerk1880Drawing
Vrouw met neergeslagen blikDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenhoofd1883Drawing
VrouwenhoofdDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenhoofd en figurenDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenhoofd en zittende figuurDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenkop en figuurtjesDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenkop en silhouettenDate unknownDrawing
Vrouwenprofiel (Mariette Rousseau) en andere figuren1885Drawing
Vue d'Ostende1893Painting
Vue D'Ostende à L'est1888Print
Vue de Nieuport1888Print
Vue du port d' Ostende1888Print
Waaier, lamp en figuren (recto)1880Drawing
WalkurengenoegensDate unknownDrawing
Wandelaar1883Drawing
Wasvrouwen bij de Middellandse zeeDate unknownDrawing
Weggeveegde tekeningDate unknownDrawing
Wenken der nimfen1923Drawing
WenteltrapDate unknownDrawing
White and Red Clowns Evolving1890Drawing
Willy Finch in his Studio1880Painting
Willy Finch in the Studio1880Painting
WindmillDate unknownDrawing
Windmill and boatsDate unknownDrawing
Windmill at Skykens1891Print
Windmill at Slijkens (Bredene)1891Print
Windmill at Slykens1891Print
Windmill "Den OranjenboomDate unknownDrawing
Windmolen met zeilboot en met kerkDate unknownDrawing
Windstoot in het geboomte1888Print
Wit paard, stoel en figuren1880Drawing
Witches in the Whirlwind1896Drawing
Wizards in a Squall1888Print
WomanDate unknownDrawing
Woman on a Breakwater1880Painting
Woman readingDate unknownDrawing
Woman with a Hood and a Wasp1885Drawing
Woman with Blue Shawl1881Painting
Wordly meetingDate unknownDrawing
X. Laat de kleinen tot mij komen (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
X. Laissez venir à moi les petits enfantsDate unknownPrint
XI. Christus drijft de duivel uit bij een bezetene (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XI. Le Christ chassant le Démon du corps d'un possédéDate unknownPrint
XII. Christus bedaart de storm (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XII. Le Christ apaisant la tempêteDate unknownPrint
XIII. De wonderbare visvangst (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XIII. La Pêche miraculeuseDate unknownPrint
XIV. Christus loopt op het water (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XIV. Le Christ marchant sur la merDate unknownPrint
XIX. Christus ter berechting overgeleverd aan de schriftgeleerden (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XIX. Le Christ aux critiquesDate unknownPrint
XV. De intrede in Jeruzalem (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XV. L'entrée à JérusalemDate unknownPrint
XVI. Het Laatste Avondmaal (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XVI. La CèneDate unknownPrint
XVII. De judaskus (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XVII. Le baiser de JudasDate unknownPrint
XVIII. De bespotting van Christus (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XVIII. Le Christ aux outragesDate unknownPrint
XX. De geseling (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XX. La FlagellationDate unknownPrint
XXI. De kruisweg (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXI. La montée au CalvaireDate unknownPrint
XXII. De kruisoprichting (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXII. L'Élévation en croixDate unknownPrint
XXIII. Christus tussen de moordenaars (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXIII. Le Christ entre les larronsDate unknownPrint
XXIV. De kruisafneming (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXIV. La Descente de croixDate unknownPrint
XXIX. De Heilige Geest verlicht de apostelen (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXIX. Le Saint Esprit éclairant les ApôtresDate unknownPrint
XXV. Le retour du CalvaireDate unknownPrint
XXV. Terugkeer van de Calvarieberg (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXVI. Le Christ sur les genoux de sa mèreDate unknownPrint
XXVI. Piëta (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXVII. Christus en de engelen (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXVII. Le Christ et les AngesDate unknownPrint
XXVIII. De Hemelvaart (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXVIII. L'AscensionDate unknownPrint
XXX. De Tenhemelopneming van Maria (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXX. L'AssomptionDate unknownPrint
XXXI. De engelen vereren Maria (uit: Taferelen uit het leven van Christus)1921Print
XXXI. La Vierge adorée par les AngesDate unknownPrint
Yellow Apples1880Painting
Young Boy1882Drawing
Zakmes met bewerkte hechtDate unknownDrawing
ZeilbootDate unknownPainting
Zeilboot, dorpskerk en windmolenDate unknownDrawing
ZeilbootjeDate unknownDrawing
Zeilboten1890Drawing
ZeilbotenDate unknownDrawing
Zelfportret1919Drawing
Zelfportret en figuren - Ensor en zijn familie1886Drawing
Zelfportret onder leeuwenjachtDate unknownDrawing
Zelfportret ("Pas fini")1885Drawing
Zicht op Nieuwpoort1888Print
Zieke luizenbos bij de kachel1895Print
Zittend meisje en twee figuurtjes1917Drawing
Zittend naakt met gekruiste benenDate unknownDrawing
Zittende en staande heerDate unknownDrawing
Zolder, trap en mand (verso)Date unknownDrawing
Zonderlinge insecten1888Print

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the French title mean in English?

Squelettes se disputant un hareng saur means skeletons quarrelling or contending over a cured or smoked herring. Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring is the established English form used for the work, but the French wording matters because hareng saur supports the proposed sound play on art Ensor.[1][2]

When was the painting made, and where is it now?

Ensor painted it in 1891. It belongs to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, where it is catalogued as inventory 11156. The museum records its entry through the bequest of Alla Goldschmidt-Safieva in 1990.[1]

How large is Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring?

The oil-on-panel work measures 16 by 21.5 centimetres, around 6.3 by 8.5 inches.[1] Its intimate size is central to its effect: a macabre struggle that could have become grand melodrama instead operates like a sharp private joke.

Is hareng saur really a pun on l'art Ensor?

It is a long-established scholarly interpretation based on the similarity of the spoken phrases. Florizoone and Tricot use it to read the herring as Ensor or his art.[2][6] Because the picture carries no explanatory inscription, the responsible formulation is that the title invites or supports the pun, not that it proves a unique hidden solution.

What does the fight mean?

One influential reading treats the skeletons as critics pulling apart Ensor’s art, represented by the herring; Tricot specifically proposes Fétis and Sulzberger.[6] The image also works more broadly as a farce about appetite, ownership and competition continuing beyond death. Its power comes from holding personal grievance and general human absurdity together.

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References

  1. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, “Squelettes se disputant un hareng saur”. View source; inventory 11156; accessed 30 August 2026.
  2. Flemish Art Collection, “‘Ensor et Leman discutant peinture’, an unrestrained confession by James Ensor in 1890”. View source; Patrick Florizoone; James Ensor: An Online Museum; accessed 30 August 2026.
  3. Flemish Art Collection, “Masks”. View source; Inne Gheeraert; James Ensor: An Online Museum; accessed 30 August 2026.
  4. Museum of Modern Art, “James Ensor”. View source; Anna Swinbourne; exhibition overview, 2009; accessed 30 August 2026.
  5. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, “Skeletons Fighting over the Body of a Hanged Man”. View source; Ensor Research Project; object 1857; accessed 30 August 2026.
  6. Flemish Art Collection, “James Ensor and the Old Masters”. View source; Xavier Tricot; James Ensor: An Online Museum; accessed 30 August 2026.