Vrouwelijk naakt in de golven die een vogel los laat, op de voorgrond een mand met bloemen 1891 - 1941

This pen and ink drawing was made by Leo Gestel, and is titled 'Female nude in the waves releasing a bird, with a basket of flowers in the foreground.' The stark contrast of the black ink on paper allows for a high level of detail, especially in the rendering of the flowers. The flowers’ shapes and forms are carefully delineated, drawing the eye to the abundance within the basket. The repetitive, controlled lines of the pen create a sense of texture and volume, even in this two-dimensional medium. The hatching and cross-hatching techniques add depth to the waves and clouds, giving them a dynamic, almost turbulent quality, which contrasts with the stillness of the figure and the formality of the floral arrangement. Gestel’s focus on the graphic qualities of line and form, rather than color or shading, speaks to the influence of modernism on his practice. The drawing appears effortless, but close looking reveals a deep engagement with the material of ink, the paper’s surface, and the way the two can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. Gestel elevates a simple medium through skilled manipulation, inviting us to consider the artistic potential found in the everyday.