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Stanley’s Auction
107
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Dolf LEDEL (1893–1976) James ENSOR.
See original version (French)
107
-
Dolf LEDEL (1893–1976) James ENSOR.
See original version (French)
Estimate €500 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
Dolf LEDEL (1893–1976) James ENSOR. Bronze sculpture depicting Baron James Ensor,
‘Prince of Art’, 1933
A rare rectangular bronze sculpture, executed in powerful high relief, depicting James Ensor in front of his easel. The painter is surrounded by several motifs emblematic of his fantastical and symbolist world, notably an imposing mask, a mermaid and a stylised sun disc.
The work is signed and dated ‘33 Dolf LEDEL’ within the composition. Mark of the Brussels-based manufacturer J. FONSON on the edge.
Plain reverse.
Created in 1933, following James Ensor’s elevation to the peerage, this work bears the particularly evocative titles ‘Baron James Ensor’ and ‘Prince of Art’. It belongs to the original bronze edition produced by Fonson, to be distinguished from the pewter reissue produced by Fisch in 1976.
The artistic dialogue between James Ensor and Dolf Ledel was celebrated in 2007 at the Maison Ensor in Ostend during the exhibition ‘James Ensor meets Dolf Ledel’, accompanied by a catalogue devoted to the artist’s medals, sculptures and plaques. This composition is also listed in the reference publication devoted to James Ensor’s works in medals and sculpture.
Dimensions: 5.7 × 6.8 cm.
Provenance: former collection of the family of John Van Kessel, former director of the National Bank of Belgium and a senior civil servant associated with the Ministry of the Colonies.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
DE SPILLIAERT AND DE SMET IN GABON, VIA CHINA Khnopff, Mortier, Picasso • Old Master paintings • Chinese bronzes and porcelain • Kota reliquary • Jewellery • Antique weapons
Auction location
Auction time
10/18/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits:
Hugo Sanchez
See original version (French)
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