“The Rower” is a genre painting by James Ensor, created in 1883. It measures 79 by 99 cm and is associated with the Impressionism and Symbolism art movements.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure seated in a small boat, rowing across a body of water. The subject is painted with a somber and introspective demeanor, wearing dark clothing and a hat. The background is hazy, with faint outlines of distant ships, suggesting a setting of isolation or meditation. The brushwork is characteristic of Impressionism, with visible strokes that capture the texture of the water and the wood of the boat, while the use of soft, muted colors adds an element of Symbolist contemplation. The overall composition evokes a sense of solitude and introspection, encapsulating the human experience through its moody and atmospheric portrayal.
