Vrouw met hoed, naar beneden kijkend 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing, "Vrouw met hoed, naar beneden kijkend," or "Woman with hat, looking down," with chalk and charcoal. Gestel lived through both World Wars, and his work often explores themes of modern life. The drawing captures a sense of quiet introspection. What might she be thinking? Her downward gaze could suggest a moment of contemplation, perhaps weighted by the social and political tensions of the time. During this period, women were increasingly engaging in public life, pursuing education, and entering the workforce. Hats like this one became a symbol of their changing roles. Gestel seems to capture a moment of quiet strength amidst societal expectations. The drawing subtly acknowledges the complex emotional landscape of women navigating a rapidly changing world. This woman's quiet moment reflects broader dialogues around identity, agency, and the search for meaning in times of upheaval.