Vissersvrouw 1924 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this work, Vissersvrouw, with pen on paper. Look at that ink line, so consistent, but also so descriptive! It’s as if the pen knew exactly where to go. But I know that is never the case, or rarely. I am imagining Gestel drawing, thinking, correcting, refining. It’s so minimal but that heavy line really does all the work. I’m looking at the hat especially, that curve, so assured, but still delicate. I also like that the lower half of the composition is all about a textural hatching that feels totally different than the clean lines of her face. It reminds me of a woodcut. It’s a great drawing, and it reminds me how much can be done with so little. It’s like he’s saying, "I see you, and here you are.” A conversation that can span the ages.