Bathers, ca. 1946

After the First World War, Constant Permeke (1886-1952) settled in Ostend and from 1923 permanently in Jabbeke, a village between Ostend and Bruges. With closed and angular forms, dark earthy colours and a heavy paint material, he depicted peasant life. Expressive distortions and cubist elements emphasise the monumentality of his figures. Permeke also made large drawings, accurate and refined in line. In both his paintings and drawings he experiments with the idea of the unfinished and at the same time applies various techniques, which contributes to the spontaneous and dynamic character of his work. In addition to figures that fill the entire picture plane, Permeke paints numerous landscapes and seascapes. Here the grandeur of nature predominates and man becomes insignificant and unsightly under heavily set clouds.