Vrouwenkop met vogel (schets) c. 1935

This is Leo Gestel’s sketch, "Vrouwenkop met vogel," housed at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing features a woman's head juxtaposed with a bird, both rendered with striking graphic simplicity. The bird, often a symbol of freedom, the soul, or divine messenger, here nestles closely against the woman's face, an ancient motif reminiscent of Psyche with Eros, or Leda and the Swan. Yet, Gestel presents a curious tension: the woman’s eyes are blank, mask-like. This evokes classical theatrical masks and prompts reflection on the hidden emotions beneath the surface. Consider how the bird motif appears in antiquity—a symbol of spiritual aspiration—versus its presence in darker Romantic works, embodying the uncanny. Here, the collective memory stirs: we sense both liberation and an unsettling silence. The psychological weight of these symbols engages us, urging a deeper contemplation of inner states and outward expressions. The motifs resurface, evolving and inviting new interpretations.