The artwork, titled “Self-Portrait with Flowered Hat,” is a creation by James Ensor, executed in 1883 in Belgium. The medium utilized for this piece is oil on canvas. The painting belongs to the Impressionist movement and measures 76.5 x 61.5 cm. Classified as a self-portrait, this artwork is a testament to Ensor’s introspective exploration.
In the artwork, the artist has depicted himself donning a delicately adorned hat decorated with vibrant flowers. His gaze is fixed intently outward, conveying a sense of self-assured engagement with the viewer. The background is rendered in a loose, almost abstract manner, which serves to accentuate the detailed representation of Ensor’s face and attire. The play of light and shadow on his face, combined with the vivid colors of the flowers on his hat, adds a dynamic contrast, characteristic of the Impressionist style. The subject’s somber and serious expression, juxtaposed with the whimsical floral hat, creates an intriguing and multifaceted portrayal of the artist.