Monsieur L'Abbé Causse Possibly 1928 - 1929

Meijer Bleekrode made this portrait of Monsieur L'Abbé Causse with graphite on paper in 1928. Bleekrode's image offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the Netherlands during the interwar period. The choice of subject, a member of the clergy, reflects the continued presence and influence of religious institutions in Dutch society. As a portrait, the drawing adheres to the traditions of bourgeois portraiture while the naturalistic style suggests a desire to depict Causse as an individual rather than an archetype. Bleekrode's identity as a Jewish artist adds another layer of complexity to the work. Considering that he would later be murdered in Auschwitz, his portrayal of a Catholic figure may reflect the complex relationships between religious communities in a time of increasing social and political turmoil. By studying archival sources, personal letters, and institutional records, we can deepen our understanding of Bleekrode’s artistic practice and the historical context in which he created this drawing.