Volksvrouw, 1921

This charcoal drawing from 1921 already exhibits the typical style that Permeke would further develop as he increasingly explored expressionist forms. The female figure, with hard outlined contours, stands against a sketched background. He created this work a few years after his return from England in 1919. The human figure undeniably forms the central theme. The shaded background and the leaving of large parts of the canvas unpainted enhance the monumentality of the figure and bring her closer to the viewer.

• This work is part of the museum’s main collection. It was included in the inventory of the donation from Jules and Irma Dhondt-Dhaenens that was compiled at the board meeting on 03.06.1967.