Buste van Rik Wouters
1911
Rik Wouters
In this self-portrait, Rik Wouters stares straight ahead. The artist frequently portrayed himself, but usually in paintings, drawings, or etchings; rarely in sculpture.
Details
- Plan number: D096
- Zone: Open-air depot
- Title: Buste van Rik Wouters
- Creator: Rik Wouters
- Date: 1911
- Material: bronze
- Acquisition: purchase
- Object number: MID.B.127
Wouters modeled his figures in clay, created a final version in plaster, and ultimately cast one or more bronze copies. In the uneven surface of this bronze bust, you can trace the marks of his expressive modeling technique. Just as in his paintings, light and shadow play freely, giving the monumental sculpture a dynamic character.
The Belgian artist Rik Wouters trained as a sculptor, studying under Ernest Wijnants among others, but also felt strongly drawn to painting. His sculptures were influenced by the work of French Impressionist sculptors—Auguste Rodin being his great role model. Wouters’ untimely death in 1916 brought an end to a flourishing career far too soon.
From the same artist
Rik Wouters
Rik Wouters often depicted his wife Nel. His favorite model is dancing here with utmost joy, arms and legs in the air. Rarely did he portray her as carefree and dynamic as in this image. It is also an example of technical mastery: the woman balances on one foot in a highly agile pose.
Rik Wouters
“Household Cares” is the last monumental sculpture Rik Wouters created. It represents his wife and beloved model Nel (Hélène Duerinckx). He usually depicted Nel in subdued everyday scenes, taken from the life of the close-knit couple.
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