Portret van Leendert Adriaan Schilt 1907 - 1909

Curator: Let's take a look at Leo Gestel's portrait of Leendert Adriaan Schilt, created sometime between 1907 and 1909. It's currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression is how striking it is. The charcoal against that toned paper is beautiful. He seems to be staring into himself. Curator: Yes, it's an evocative work. It really places the subject within a specific cultural milieu, doesn’t it? Gestel was part of the Dutch avant-garde, and you can see elements of symbolism here, moving away from straightforward representation. He captured the cultural importance, of Schilt, showing him, almost ethereal. Editor: The materiality speaks volumes. Charcoal as a medium allows for such subtle gradations, building depth and capturing a certain psychological weight. It’s almost a proto-expressionistic piece. The bow, too, feels intentionally rendered – it brings such presence to his form. I can’t ignore how class and taste dictated those fine material things, like charcoal or dress clothes at the time. Curator: It’s interesting how you note the materiality, because Gestel was working at a time of huge social change. There was an emergence of new artistic circles in which, he placed himself directly involved, making work showing class. The portrait was commissioned so as to celebrate, or at least appreciate Schilt's figure. Editor: The sketch's material execution invites us to contemplate the labor involved – Gestel's hand, the choices made, the very act of applying charcoal to paper. Curator: Exactly, and its purpose was also aligned with an institutional goal to further develop Schilt figure in the early twentieth century, positioning him to rise among his circle. Editor: This has revealed such fascinating historical context and technical application to consider here. Curator: Agreed. The convergence of societal expectations, the material means, and the artists, intent all play key roles.