Springend paard 1924 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this small drawing of a jumping horse, Springend Paard, at an unknown date using pen and ink. Look how Gestel coaxes movement from simple marks, the density of ink capturing the horse's muscular form. It feels like he’s carving shapes out of light and shadow, doesn't it? The ink is almost sculptural, thick and assertive. Notice especially the horse's mane, rendered with such lively, almost chaotic strokes, giving it a sense of wild energy. I love how the landscape is just these simple little flicks of the pen, it feels light and free. Gestel, like Kirchner, was deeply engaged in expressionism, and you can see that here in the raw emotion conveyed through this dynamic drawing. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of tools can unleash a torrent of expression.