Drie paarden 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing of three horses with graphite on paper, but when? There's no date! I find this unfinished quality really interesting, it reminds us that art is a process. The physicality of the graphite on paper is evident, smudged and blended in areas to create tone and volume, but with sharp, angular marks that define the legs of the largest horse. Look closely at the way the artist has used line to describe the form, especially in the main horse. The bold, dark strokes give the animal a sense of weight and presence, whilst the lighter, sketchier lines of the smaller horses almost float on the page. The marks are simple, direct and feel spontaneous, like the artist was trying to capture the essence of the horses quickly. Gestel was part of a movement called Dutch Modernism, and you can see echoes of Cubism and Expressionism in his work. I see something of Franz Marc in this drawing, but of course, there's always room for multiple readings.