Karel Gomes - Old Man with a Goatee (2/4)

Karel Gomes (1930–2016)was a Dutch sculptor who achieved great fame with his figurative bronzes, often inspired by mythology, history, and human existence. Born in Hilversum, he trained at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, where he was shaped by the classical sculptural tradition. From the 1960s onward, Gomes developed a powerful visual language with expressive, sometimes dramatic figures that attest to deep human emotions and symbolism. His oeuvre includes both monumental sculptures for public spaces and smaller bronzes with a more intimate expressiveness. Gomes worked with recognizable, energetic modeling and a strong anatomical focus, which gives his sculptures an almost narrative quality. Recurring themes in his work are heroism, struggle, loss, and human vulnerability. Many of his monuments reference World War II or universal stories of courage and sacrifice. The rich patinas and sharp detailing demonstrate his craftsmanship and dedication to his craft. Gomes is considered an important representative of Dutch figurative sculpture in the second half of the 20th century, with an oeuvre that continues to impress with its human depth and historical resonance.