Leonie 1932

Constant Permeke made "Leonie" with paint, creating this iconic, monumental figure from a restricted palette. Look at the way he uses the paint, almost like he’s carving the form out of the surface. The dark outlines aren't just boundaries; they’re like trenches, giving weight and solidity to Leonie’s presence. And the color! It’s earthy, like raw umber mixed with a bit of white, creating a sense of groundedness. See how Permeke applies the paint in layers, allowing the texture to build up, especially in the face and hands? There's something so honest and unpretentious about his approach. The simplicity of the form, the limited color range. It reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker’s portraits, with their emphasis on the dignity of everyday life, don't you think? It’s like he’s stripping away the frills and getting down to the essence of the human form, making you consider what is important in painting, and in life.