Constant Permeke

In 1916, after being seriously wounded in Antwerp, Permeke and his family were taken in by a family in the county of Devonshire, in south-west Britain. Although isolated, the artist nevertheless continued to paint. Both in Britain and elsewhere, Permeke enjoyed depicting the simple life of the countryside. Themes drawn from everyday life would, in fact, remain a constant thread in his work. He also corresponded with the gallery owner André de Ridder, who was also a promoter of Expressionism. In this oil painting, *The Butcher*, the artist demonstrates that he has fully embraced the characteristics of this movement, which he had encountered in Brussels before the war. He nevertheless adds his own personal touch: simple forms, reduced to the essentials; massive, stylised figures that exude great expressive power in earthy tones. The man is undoubtedly a travelling butcher, going from farm to farm to slaughter and cut up the animals. He is depicted as a giant with a massive body and powerful muscles; his face is hidden behind the blade of the cleaver. Painted in 1916, the work already contains all the characteristics of his painting that would bring him fame after the war.

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