Zinnwald (Ertsgebergte) 1923

Leo Gestel created "Zinnwald (Ertzgebirge)" using black chalk and graphite during a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in Europe. This landscape shows a horse-drawn carriage trudging through a snow-laden scene. The image evokes a sense of isolation and hardship reflective of the socio-economic struggles faced by many during the early 20th century. Gestel, influenced by avant-garde movements, uses stark contrasts and rough strokes that underscore the bleakness of the scene. The figures in the carriage, rendered without distinct features, become symbols of a collective human experience marked by resilience in the face of adversity. Gestel's choice to depict such a somber scene invites reflection on the societal conditions of his time. It acknowledges the emotional weight carried by those living through periods of rapid industrialization and social change. The drawing serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of personal experience and broader historical forces.