VERVE: Constant Permeke, kunstenaar & schrander zakenman
Jan Ceuleers
Mer Books, 2026
€34,90
VERVE. Constant Permeke, artist & shrewd businessman presents a different perspective on an artist who dominated his generation. Moving away from persistent clichés about the man and his work, and based on a rigorous selection from his vast oeuvre, this is the story of how Permeke (1886–1952) managed to strongly distinguish himself from the competition through sound artistic decisions. Permeke was also a businessman who knew how to accurately assess supply and demand. Parallel to an analysis of a number of key works, with an emphasis on form, his trajectory to the top of the art market is outlined. In addition to well-known letters, extensive correspondence between Permeke and his Amsterdam gallery has been used for the first time. In this way, we gain more insight into the (business)man behind the artist, with a wide-ranging network, and perhaps not the artist who has become a cliché in the eyes of many: the traditional Flemish ‘peasant painter’. However: if Permeke’s best work continues to intrigue, it is for artistic reasons more than ever. And he was extremely smart at that. With gusto. IN DUTCH ONLY!
ISBN: 9789493499935
