James Ensor (1860-1949): 'Duivels die mij sarren', affiche voor de tentoonstelling bij Salon des Cent in Parijs, kleurenlithografie, [gedateerd 1898]

Work: 39 x 24,5 cm 
Frame: 52,5 x 37,5 cm

The original lithograph served as a poster for his solo exhibition at the Salon des Cent in Paris and was published by the French magazine La Plume. The Ensor exhibition came about at the initiative of Ensor's friend Eugène Demolder. The exhibition ran from December 15, 1898, to January 15, 1899, at no. 31 rue Bonaparte. The depiction of Christ surrounded by tormenting devils is derived from the drawing 'Devils Tormenting Me' from 1888 (Chicago, The Art Institute), later reworked in the etching of the same name (inv. 1998-B-92) and the lithograph of the same name, both from 1895. (link)

With a dedication to August Van Yper—presumably added later ('Pour August Van Yper James Ensor'). August Van Yper was an amateur artist. He became best known for his loyal service to James Ensor. Van Yper worked for and lived in James Ensor's house. Even after Ensor's death, he was allowed to remain in his home and received and guided visitors around in a personal manner. (link)

The offered lithograph is a later reissue of the original poster.