JAMES
ENSOR Ostende 1860 - 1949 Ostende
Death Chasing the Flock of Mortals, (2nd State), 1896
Etching on copper plate
235 x 175 mm.; 9 1/2 x 7 1/8 inches
Unsigned
Exhibited:
Master of Graphic Art: James Ensor (1860-1949), R. S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago, Fall 1976: no. 30 and reproduced as frontispiece.
References:
Delteil 104
Croquez 104-I/II
Taevernier 104-II/III
Notes:
1. Croquez calls this plate “One of the most important and characteristic compositions of
Ensor; an attempt at collective interpretation of horror and death.”
2. This impression is a very fine example of Taevernier’s rare 2nd State (of three states) which also is Croquez’s 1st State (of two states). Delteil does not actually mention any states; Croquez indicates two states; while Taevernier, as noted below, lists three states:
1st State: The signature on the child’s dress in the lower left hand corner is lacking.
2nd State: The plate is signed in small letters, but not dated (as in this
example).
3rd State: Ensor added a small figure, standing on the balcony to the left. He
also added the date “96” to the signature.