My article “Flour Sacks. The art of war.” has been published in the second publication of the Friends of Art – Researchers and Collectors of Belgian Art 1830-1950.
In the article, I present the results of my research specifically on the painted flour sacks done by Belgian artists in 1915. In a more academic approach I give my findings through:
- A definition of the WW I painted flour sack
- An overview of exhibitions, artists, and collections
- The identification of the flour sack as trench art from occupied Belgium
- The contradictions in historiography regarding the context of the sacks
- The distinctive iconography within Belgian WWI paintings.
I conclude that the preserved painted flour sacks, over a hundred in number by seventy Belgian artists, deserve close examination to delve into the deeper layers of their iconography.
Although most of the art works seems to be preserved in the United States, due to increasing knowledge about the sacks, more paintings are emerging in Belgium, particularly in private collections.
The presence of young Americans involved in food distribution in occupied Belgium influenced the artists. The flour sack art bears witness to an intriguing cultural transfer during the First World War. This will have contributed to the internationalization of Belgian art.
You can read the article here: “Flour Sacks. The art of war.”
In addition to the article, I have written a blog with detailed explanation of the thirteen painted flour sacks that serve as illustrations for the article: “Flour Sacks. The art of war. Explanation of thirteen paintings.” (blog in Dutch, please use orange translate button for translation).
Book presentation in Bruges, October 11, 2025
On Saturday, October 11th, the publication “Friends of Art – Researchers and Collectors of Belgian Art 1830-1950 II” was presented in Bruges during the Third Meeting Day of the Friends. The publication contains 224 pages and 28 contributions.
Coordination: Jacques Laperre
Design: Sam Vanoverschelde
Printer: Drukkerij Stad Genk
Edition: 250 copies.
I previously published the blog: Show of painted flour sacks for the Friends of Art at Mu.ZEE