Peter van Hugten (1949-2023) was an influential Dutch cartoonist and illustrator best known for his long-standing work for the Volkskrant, where he enriched the economics pages and other sections with his illustrations for more than 40 years. In addition to his journalistic work, he was also active as a teacher at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam.
Van Hugten had a unique style that was evident in both his teaching role and in his personal projects, such as the book 'Bloot'. This book contained playful and sometimes naughty drawings, aimed at providing a pleasant moment for the reader. Peter van Hugten is remembered as an artist who made complex subjects accessible through his artistic interpretations and had a lasting impact on both the art world and the media.
Peter van Hugten (1949-2023) has left his mark on the Dutch art and media world for more than four decades. As a renowned cartoonist and illustrator for de Volkskrant and as a lecturer at leading art academies, Van Hugten has had an indelible influence on visual culture in the Netherlands.
Forty Years for De Volkskrant
Van Hugten began his career in journalism at the NRC Handelsblad , but his real breakthrough came when he moved to the Volkskrant . He drew there for forty years, particularly enlivening the economics pages with his characteristic illustrations. It wasn't just illustrating; it was a stage on which he made social themes tangible for his audience. "I hope I can give people a pleasant moment," Van Hugten once said about his work.
His contributions did not go unnoticed; Sheila Sitalsing, former economics editor at de Volkskrant , remembers Van Hugten as someone who was called upon "when it couldn't be done with photos". This illustrates his ability to make complex subjects accessible through his artistic interpretations.
A Teacher and Inspirator
In addition to his work for the newspaper, Van Hugten was also an influential figure in education. He taught at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, where he shared his passion and technique with the next generations of artists.
Artist or Illustrator?
Van Hugten did not see himself as an illustrator only. In the art club Arti , where he was accepted as an artist, he emphasized the importance of autonomous work. Although he was known for his illustrations, he always emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and personal expression in his work.
The Book 'Naked'
One of the notable projects in his later career was the book Bloot , in which eighty drawings by Van Hugten are bundled. This book was not so much an artistic exploration of the human body, but more a playful and sometimes naughty approach to the subject. Van Hugten hoped to "give people a pleasant moment" with his drawings and approached his subjects with a mix of seriousness and humor.
A Legacy That Endures
Even as times have changed and digitalization has affected how we consume media, Peter van Hugten’s work remains relevant. His ability to communicate through drawing and his dedication to teaching art are enduring testaments to his influence. Van Hugten’s work continues to inspire both current and future generations of artists, illustrators, and visual arts enthusiasts.
His drawings, whether commenting on the daily news or his free works of art, invite us to look at the world anew, and offer us a window into the rich inner world of an exceptional talent. Peter van Hugten did not only draw for the newspaper for forty years; he left a lifelong impression on Dutch culture.
