René de Pauwartist • painterPittem (België) 1887-1946 Brussel

René de Pauw - painter, caricaturist and illustrator - initially painted flowers, portraits, nudes and landscapes. These works, characterized by a clear tone and use of strong white, are painted in an impressionistic style. In 1930 there was a turning point: De Pauw found inspiration in fishermen's life, painted beach and seascapes, but also fishermen in a homely atmosphere. His style also changed: no longer the light brushstrokes and colours of impressionism, but a sombre colour scheme and heavy contours for monumental, bony figures that are reminiscent of the expressionist work of Constant Permeke. De Pauw also made decorative murals, including for the station hall in Bruges.