James Ensor

About the book

"Lettres de James Ensor à la famille Rousseau" is a book that offers fresh perspectives on the life and artistic contributions of the renowned Ostend artist. Within its pages, readers will discover a collection of 400 heartfelt letters addressed to the Rousseau family. As you delve into this correspondence, you'll bear witness to the sincere friendship between James Ensor and the Rousseau family, gaining insights into the artist's fears and insecurities. This compilation is meticulously documented and accompanied by insightful commentary. If you're seeking a scholarly reference on James Ensor, this work comes highly recommended.

Concept

To depict the route taken by Ensor on foot and by train from his house to the Rousseaus' residence, dip pen and red ink illustrations are employed. Along this path, you'll encounter an isolated figure derived from the letters themselves. The synergy between this figure and the depicted route imbues the entire design with a dynamic quality.

Design

The script is presented using the Courier font. There are minimal additions. The cover features only the title, devoid of any images. It serves as a practical workbook without further formatting. Courier is consistently applied to all text. The cover showcases only the title, along with a subtle detail: the chair from the room.

To enhance usability, we've opted for a compact photo book format, akin to a comfortable reading book. The binding with yarn ensures sturdiness, making it a practical choice for frequent use.

The book is organized into three chapters, a nod to Cocteau's structure. Between these chapters, a depiction of the room is included, each featuring a subtle modification.

Specifications

Concept by Claire Dekens
Printed by Buroform, Mechelen
Paper: jacket: Arena Smooth Extra White 120 gr, cover: Arena Smooth Extra White 250 gr, pages: Arena Smooth Extra White 120 gr, all Fedrigoni Paper
Book edge trimming: Haletra, Houthalen