Bal Fantastique (The Fantastic Ball)
Etching and roulette work, 1889, Taevernier 75 (ii/II), Delteil 75, Elesh 75, Croquez 75; edition unknown. 3 1/16 x 4 5/8 in. Signed in the plate, bottom center.Signed and dated in pencil and signed and titled on the verso. This is a superb impression printed on simili-Japan paper. The margins are wide and probably full. The condition is exceptional; as fresh as the day it was printed. This entertaining print is a fine example of Ensor's interest in depicting fantastic scenes with a wide array of bizarre figures acting out in a celebratory fashion.
$6,500

The Orchard (Le Verger)
Etching, 1886, Taevernier 2 (iii/III), Croquez 2, Delteil 2; edition unknown. 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. Signed and dated in the plate, lower right. Signed and dated (1888) in pencil. This is a fine impression printed on Japan paper with plate tone. The margins are probably full. The condition is very good apart from toning along the extreme right edge of the sheet and traces of an old adhesive at the upper left and right corners from early hinges. There's an unidentified collector's mark on the verso. This is a proof impression before publication in the 1901 album of the Royal Society of Belgian Etchers. This engaging landscape is Ensor's second recorded etching.
$3,000

View of the Ostend Harbour (Gezicht op de Haven van Oostende)
Etching, 1888, Taevernier 39 (i/II), Croquez 39 (i/II); edition unknown. 3 1/16 x 4 5/8 in. Signed in the plate, lower right. Signed, dated and titled in pencil. The print is also countersigned in pencil. This is a fine impression of this uncommon early work. The margins are wide and probably full. The condition is excellent. The paper is a cream colored, sturdy wove. In the second state the date of 1888 was added above the etched signature. According to Taevernier, "We presume that this state is late made at the request of a collector, a friend of the elderly artist."
$2,000