Brief aan Jan Ponstijn, Henriëtte Johanna Petronella van Hilten, Harmina Catharina Ponstijn en Chris Vos Possibly 1923 - 1926

Written in June of 1923, this letter by Leo Gestel is addressed to Jan Ponstijn and others. Gestel, a Dutch artist associated with various modern movements, conveys a sense of intimacy through his handwritten correspondence. The letter provides a glimpse into Gestel's personal life and social connections, referencing shared experiences and acquaintances. His mention of ‘de desolate gebeurtenis’ (the desolate event) hints at a somber backdrop, perhaps reflecting the aftermath of World War I and its impact on Dutch society. The mention of the schoolvereniging, or school association, evokes a sense of community. Gestel's artistic sensibilities come through in his descriptive language and attention to detail. The letter humanizes Gestel, revealing the person behind the art. It serves as a reminder that art is not created in a vacuum but is deeply intertwined with the lives, emotions, and relationships of the artist.