Gust van de Wall Perné
Dutch, 1877-1911
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Gustaaf Frederik "Gust. van de Wall Perné was a Dutch painter, illustrator, bookplate designer and writer.
Gust. van de Wall Perné found his inspiration in the nature of the Veluwe, around his birthplace Apeldoorn. At the same time, he actively participated in Amsterdam's art scene and was a member of a number of artists' circles there, such as Sint Lucas. Nature and its connection with culture predominate in his work. His painting and illustration work is considered naturalism and symbolism. Van de Wall Perné also designed reform clothing and furniture and batik. He was also active in the field of folklore.
Gust. van de Wall Perné studied at the Rijksnormaalschool voor tekenonderwijzers in Amsterdam. Furniture maker and decorative artist Willem Penaat studied at about the same time as Van de Wall Perné, and artists such as Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, Jan Eisenloeffel and Egbert Schaap preceded him.
It was also here that he met his wife, Eugénie van Vooren (1873-1958). She also became a decorative artist and teacher. After graduating, he worked for a year (1898-1899) for Agathe Wegerif's studio in Apeldoorn. He made batik designs, which were executed in the workshop. Chris Lebeau and Johan Thorn Prikker also worked there as designers. In 1899, Van de Wall Perné managed to obtain a permanent job as an illustrator at the printing company J.H. de Bussy & Co. in Amsterdam, where he remained until 1904. He settled permanently in the capital that same year. The firm De Bussy & Co. provided the artist with numerous commissions for, among other things, designing book covers and illustrations.
In 1904, Van de Wall left Perné De Bussy to work as a teacher of costuming and drawing at the Toneelschool in Amsterdam. He would hold this position until his death. His interest in clothing resonated with the Vereeniging voor Verbetering van Vrouwenkleding, a reform movement concerned with clothing for women in which they could feel free and healthy.
In 1901, Gust. van de Wall Perné participated for the first time in an exhibition of artists' association Saint Lucas. From 1901 to 1911, his work would be represented at every annual Saint Lucas exhibition, and he would also take on board positions, which was noteworthy, since his work itself was not always appreciated by modernists. But although his painting style was quite traditional, his ideas were extremely modern and in many ways he could unite himself with the new direction in art. In this environment also arose his contact with Mondrian, who was to be his influence.
His interest in the old folk tales of the Veluwe was expressed in the well-known collection Veluwsche Sagen.
Van de Wall Perné died of lead poisoning at the age of 34.
