La Rousse 1944

Editor: This is "La Rousse," a charcoal drawing, possibly with oil pastel, made by Constant Permeke in 1944. It's quite a striking portrait, though somber. There's a real sense of introspection about her, a weight maybe. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The weight you perceive speaks to the context in which Permeke created this piece. 1944, nearing the end of the Second World War. How do you think the social upheaval and the Nazi occupation of Belgium influenced Permeke’s artistic choices here? This wasn't just about representing a "lady sitting." It was a quiet act of resistance. Editor: Resistance? In what way? The nude subject seems... vulnerable, almost withdrawn. Curator: Exactly. Stripping away artifice, focusing on the raw human form during a time of extreme dehumanization becomes a statement. Permeke was a member of the Flemish expressionist group, and he typically painted the life of peasants; portraying human suffering by contorting his figures, and by applying very somber color palettes. Do you see this visual language deployed here? The lines are bold, heavy, almost crude, denying idealization, asserting a gritty reality. Editor: Yes, I see that. It is like Permeke is forcing us to confront the real, unvarnished experience of existence. The averted gaze, the way she clasps her arms… it's a protective gesture, suggesting insecurity or distress. Curator: And the title, "La Rousse," emphasizes identity, potentially celebrating a specific person amidst a backdrop aiming to erase individuality. The period during which Permeke worked had clear, socially and politically motivated objectives concerning who can belong and who can't. Her being, her humanity, are her own protest. Editor: I see now how situating this work within its historical and social context reveals so much more than just a portrait. The weight I felt was perhaps the weight of the era. Curator: Precisely. And hopefully understanding that deepens our understanding of the power and relevance of art today.