'The Blind', a large painted plaster by Gustave Van den Meersche (Belgian, 1891-1970). Signed and dated '1915'. 

Van den Meersch's ability as a sculptor is evident in this highly emotive work. The plaster depicts an aged man in rags with closed eyes looking up whilst tightly clasping his hands reverently. 

There are some chips and knocks in areas, most notably to the fingernail of the second finger but it is the same colour as the plaster and does disappear into the work (please see photographs). 

[Please Note: The plinth is for display purposes only but can be purchased here.]

The Artist

Gustaaf or Gustave Van den Meersche was a son of the blacksmith Constant Van den Meersche and Maria Zulma Gerardi. He was trained at the Royal Academy Of Fine Arts of Ghent as a pupil of Jean Delvin (1853-1922).

Van den Meersche won the First Prize of the Provincial Chamber of Industrial Arts in Ghent for four consecutive years (1910–1913). In 1913, he won second place in the Godecharle Prize. After the First World War, he settled with a number of other artists in the Saint Elizabeth Beguinage. In 1924, he won the Paul De Vigne Prize for his sculpture Offerande . In 1925, Van den Meersche became a sculpture teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Aalst, where he was its director from 1932 until his retirement in 1956, and was later appointed honorary director. He was awarded a prize at an international commemorative medal competition in Paris (1935) and received a silver medal at the 1958 World Exhibition in Brussels.

Gustaaf Van den Meersche died at the age of 79. A street in Ghent was named after him.

Dimensions

Height: 84cm

Width: 50cm

Depth: 35.5cm

(Width and depth of base only 35cm x 30cm)

Delivery

UK Mainland: £75

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We are able to deliver to most of mainland UK for £75 (excluding the Scottish Highlands). We aim to deliver your piece within 7-10 working days, however please allow up to 3 weeks following cleared payment for delivery. Collection in person is welcome by prior arrangement.

We are able to deliver internationally please do contact us with your location for an accurate delivery quote.