$MASKS

Masks as social commentary: James Ensor, Ensor with masks, 1899

Masks appear both recurrently and uniquely in the work James Ensor (1860-1949). He was probably inspired by the souvenir and curiosity shop owned by his family in Ostend. The boutique sold miniature boats, seashells, old books, engravings, china, as well as carnival masks. Carnival also marked the beginning of the summer season for this Flemish seaside resort, which gained in popularity when King Leopold I decided to establish his summer residence there.

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