Olifant 1891 - 1941

"Olifant" (Elephant) is a small ink drawing by Dutch artist Leo Gestel, dating from between 1891 and 1941, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The drawing features a simplified, almost cartoonish, depiction of an elephant, rendered entirely in hatched lines, creating a textured effect. The animal's body is shown in profile, with its trunk curled in a natural pose. The artwork is an example of Gestel's early work, known for its simple forms and expressive lines. It exemplifies the artist's interest in capturing the essence of his subjects with minimal detail.