Freeman's
Lot 80
Inscribed, signed and dated 'ma tante chéri [sic]/James Ensor/14 avril 1916' bottom right; also inscribed 'James Ensor 27 rue de Flandre Ostende/A. Ensor', and titled verso, colored pencil and gouache on paper laid down to cardSheet size: 7 1/8 x 9 7/8 in. (18.1 x 25.1cm)Unframed.ProvenancePrivate Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.NoteKnown for his predilection for the macabre and death, James Ensor’s work was generally considered scandalous by his contemporaries. His favorite subjects ranged from carnivals and skeletons to masks and images of the dead. Ensor would often stage the scenes for his works in his studio by dressing up skeletons in bright colorful masks. His eccentricities allowed him to create a space where he could have complete artistic freedom. Towards the end of the 19th century he began introducing religious themes in his works, leading to his large scale, controversial painting, Christ’s Entry Into Brussels in 1889.In this intimate work Ensor manages to capture the final moments of a woman’s life- the artist’s own aunt (his mother's sister), Marie-Louise Haegheman - whom he lovingly called "Mimi" - and who passed away on April 11, 1916 a year after the death of the artist's mother's. Continuing his use of bold color, the red background is juxtaposed against the woman’s quiet figure. She is shown clutching a crucifix and has her eyes closed as if in prayer, leaving the viewer to question if the subject has already passed on. For a similar composition in oil by Ensor depicting the same subject, also executed in 1916, see Ma Tante Chérie, sold at Sotheby’s Amsterdam on December 17, 1996 (Lot 170). In overall good condition. The work is affixed to the verso of the mat via three pieces of white mesh tape at upper left corner, upper center and upper right corner. With remnants of thin brown tape underneath each section as well as 8 pieces of 'Haegheman DeWinter' stickers placed along the outer edges of the sheet verso (all sectioned off, so the sheet can be flipped). The sheet is lightly toned, with accumulated brown dust along the outer edges, along with accompanying smudges. No evidence of tear or repair. Scattered fox marks and brown spots on the verso of the sheet as well as on the surrounding edges of the mat, which indicates the work needs a new mat and a frame.To have access to more images of the work, or for any additional information, please email Raphael Chatroux at rchatroux@freemansauction.com.
![Inscribed, signed and dated 'ma tante chéri [sic]/James Ensor/14 avril 1916' bottom right; also inscribed 'James Ensor 27 rue](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/56d1fc07-923b-4760-bf9e-af970113197a/558e6e2f-ab08-4b3a-9c9a-af9701683afa/468x382.jpg)
