Vlaggen 1934 - 1936

Editor: Right now, we’re looking at “Vlaggen,” or “Flags,” a pen and ink drawing from 1934-1936 by Leo Gestel, hanging here in the Rijksmuseum. What strikes me most is the almost oppressive uniformity and, honestly, a sense of foreboding despite it being such a simple line drawing. What do you make of it? Curator: You know, I'm tickled by that "oppressive uniformity" observation! The drawing does this wonderfully unnerving dance between playful repetition and something almost…militaristic? Gestel, in this period, often grappled with the unease simmering in Europe. It’s not just a bunch of flags waving happily in the breeze, is it? Editor: Definitely not "happy" flags. The tight lines feel… restricted, maybe? Was this typical of his work? Curator: Well, Gestel shifted styles more often than I change socks! But you can find echoes of expressionism and even a dash of cubism lingering here. He plays with perspective, making the flags almost seem to march towards the viewer. It’s clever. Does it evoke any specific historical feelings for you? Editor: Knowing it was created in the mid-30s definitely adds weight. It’s like a visual manifestation of the rising tensions before the war. The uniformity suddenly feels less like a design choice and more like a symbol. Curator: Precisely! It's the shadow of things to come, isn't it? Art whispering history into our ears. I hadn’t considered the war as much when looking at this the first time, but the visual representation of restrictedness definitely seems much more striking in this light. Thank you for bringing this to my attention! Editor: Always a pleasure! Seeing it from a socio-political perspective definitely enriches the whole experience.