Spilliaert / Ensor

James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert, both born in Ostend, were, if not shaped, at least influenced by the Ostend milieu, its setting and its atmosphere. The connection of both artists to the city of Ostend has largely forged their reputation. Each in their own idiosyncratic way, they depicted and portrayed the city. Conscious of the countless pictorial possibilities offered by the panoramic view of the sea and the beach, both Ensor and Spilliaert spent their lives depicting the sea, the harbour and the beach in all their various aspects.