Mock Humanity!

Discover the intriguing world of Bart Verschaffel's Mock Humanity!, a thought-provoking exploration of the artistic legacy of James Ensor. Published in 2019, this insightful book challenges the conventional narrative that Ensor's fantastical and grotesque universe of masks and skeletons stemmed solely from his melancholic spirit. Instead, Verschaffel reveals how Ensor skillfully reinterpreted and transformed an established tradition of imagery, first collected and published by French author and art critic Jules Champfleury in his seminal work, History of Caricature. With 112 pages of rich analysis, this paperback invites readers to delve deeper into the influences that shaped Ensor's art and the broader implications for understanding artistic creativity. Perfect for art enthusiasts and scholars alike, Mock Humanity! is a compelling addition to any bookshelf.