Works of the 19th and 20th Centuries from the Günther Förg Collection -
Auction ends: December 15, 2025 from 3:00 pm
56
James Ensor
Etude de personnages, 1880
Pencil drawing
Current bid:
€ 2,200 Estimate:
€ 2,500 - 3,500Bids:
1End: 12-15-25 15:27:00 Berlin
12-15-25 09:27:00 New York
12-15-25 06:27:00 Los Angeles (23 days, 20h:56m)
12-15-25 09:27:00 New York
12-15-25 06:27:00 Los Angeles (23 days, 20h:56m)
After entering your maximum bid you will be able to check your entry and you will be provided with further information. Only after a further confirmation your bid will be binding.
Lot description
James Ensor
1860 - 1949
Etude de personnages. 1880/1883.
Pencil drawing.
Rigned in center right. On light wove paper (sheet from a sketchbook). 22.3 x 17 cm (8.7 x 6.6 in), size of sheet. [EH].
• From the legendary private collection of Mira Jacob, who ran the Parisian gallery “Bateau-Lavoir.”
• James Ensor, the “painter of masks,” is considered a precursor of Surrealism.
• From his studio in the attic in Ostend, he sketched people on the street.
• His drawings are characterized by typically fluid lines and striking chiaroscuro.
We are grateful to Dr. Herwig Todts, honorary curator at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, for his kind expert advice.
PROVENANCE: Private collection Mira Jacob (until 2004 Sotheby's).
Galerie Fred Jahn, Munich.
Private collection Günther Förg (acquired from the above in 2005).
LITERATURE: Mira Jacob Collection - Galerie Le Bateau-Lavoir. Drouot-Montaigne, Paris Bailly Pommery-Voutier-Sotheby's, September 23, 2004, lot 41, ill. p. 64.
In a condition consistent with its age. The sheet from a sketchbook has irregularities and several small tears (up to 40 mm) at the edges, which are backed on the reverse side and partly show through to the front. The sheet is slightly browned at the edges. The lower left corner of the sheet has a small crease.
1860 - 1949
Etude de personnages. 1880/1883.
Pencil drawing.
Rigned in center right. On light wove paper (sheet from a sketchbook). 22.3 x 17 cm (8.7 x 6.6 in), size of sheet. [EH].
• From the legendary private collection of Mira Jacob, who ran the Parisian gallery “Bateau-Lavoir.”
• James Ensor, the “painter of masks,” is considered a precursor of Surrealism.
• From his studio in the attic in Ostend, he sketched people on the street.
• His drawings are characterized by typically fluid lines and striking chiaroscuro.
We are grateful to Dr. Herwig Todts, honorary curator at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, for his kind expert advice.
PROVENANCE: Private collection Mira Jacob (until 2004 Sotheby's).
Galerie Fred Jahn, Munich.
Private collection Günther Förg (acquired from the above in 2005).
LITERATURE: Mira Jacob Collection - Galerie Le Bateau-Lavoir. Drouot-Montaigne, Paris Bailly Pommery-Voutier-Sotheby's, September 23, 2004, lot 41, ill. p. 64.
In a condition consistent with its age. The sheet from a sketchbook has irregularities and several small tears (up to 40 mm) at the edges, which are backed on the reverse side and partly show through to the front. The sheet is slightly browned at the edges. The lower left corner of the sheet has a small crease.
56
James Ensor
Etude de personnages, 1880
Pencil drawing
Current bid:
€ 2,200 Estimate:
€ 2,500 - 3,500Bids:
1End: 12-15-25 15:27:00 Berlin
12-15-25 09:27:00 New York
12-15-25 06:27:00 Los Angeles (23 days, 20h:56m)
12-15-25 09:27:00 New York
12-15-25 06:27:00 Los Angeles (23 days, 20h:56m)
After entering your maximum bid you will be able to check your entry and you will be provided with further information. Only after a further confirmation your bid will be binding.