A painting by Flemish artist James Ensor created between 1892 and 1896, 'Duel de masques', will be auctioned in Paris on 18 October, Sotheby's auction house announced on Tuesday.
The painting has always remained in the hands of the same Brussels family, who were close to the artist, but it is now being sold for the first time.
Sotheby's noted that the composition features the artist's favourite themes, depicting masked masquerades with ghostly white pierrots, glowing clowns, stoic hussars, and costumed characters reminiscent of the commedia dell'arte.
The painting is on display at Sotheby's in Brussels from 17 to 20 September, and in Paris from 12 to 18 October – the day of the auction.
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of James Ensor's passing. Several exhibitions will celebrate the Ostend master's work, including one opening on 28 September at the KMSKA in Antwerp, titled 'Ensor. Fantastical Dreams. Beyond Impressionism,' which will run until 19 January 2025.
