Twee paarden 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this sketch, 'Twee paarden' or 'Two Horses' in English, using graphite pencil on paper. It's a simple pairing, the artist merely depicting two horses standing side by side. The sketch seems minimal, but it's more than just a quick doodle; the artist's hand is evident in the deliberate lines, the subtle shading which gives volume to the animals' bodies. You can almost feel the texture of the paper, the soft give of the graphite as it moves across the surface. There is a sense of the artist's physical engagement with the materials, a directness that bypasses the need for elaborate technique. In its simplicity, Gestel invites us to consider the labor involved, to appreciate the artist’s intimate knowledge of form. By emphasizing the essential qualities of line and tone, Gestel reminds us that true artistry lies not just in what is represented, but in how it is made.