Christ with the Lame, 1880, ca. 1885 - ca. 1886

Already during his study years at the Brussels Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts, Ensor drew some biblical scenes with black chalk or charcoal on fairly large sheets. Christ and the Cripples" belongs to that series. Around 1885-1886 he reworked the drawing, largely removing the previously shaded areas and playfully heightening them with brushwork. The lighting effect thus created can also be found in Ensor's series "The Auricles of Christ". In addition, also around 1886 he coloured the original figures in bright colours and provided them with ludicrous headgear and attributes. The traditional title of the drawing is confusing because it is essentially about the miraculous healing of the lame man.