Rehefeld (Ertsgebergte) 1923

Leo Gestel made "Rehefeld (Ertsgebergte)" using pen and brush in ink, crafting this landscape on paper. The stark monochrome palette, achieved through the direct application of ink, emphasizes the weight and density of the scene. Gestel coaxes a remarkable range of tones from this simple medium, building up the landscape through carefully placed marks. Look closely, and you can see how the varying pressure of the pen and brush creates depth and texture, mimicking the rolling hills and dense foliage. The application of ink, through the seemingly simple acts of drawing, imbues the artwork with social and cultural significance. Consider the artist’s hand, the hours spent in translating the world onto paper. This emphasizes the amount of work in the production process. By focusing on the materials and making, we can appreciate how "Rehefeld (Ertsgebergte)" transcends traditional boundaries, inviting us to value the labor and skill embedded in its creation.