Portret van Ferdinand Foch 1934 - 1936

Leo Gestel made this drawing of Ferdinand Foch with pen and ink on paper, but the date of creation is unknown. Gestel’s mark-making has a real confidence. It’s not just about representing something, it’s about the pleasure of the line, the act of description. The texture in the drawing comes alive through the use of hatching and cross-hatching, little lines layered upon each other. This method gives depth and volume to Foch's face and hat, while the stark contrast of black ink on white paper adds drama. I love the way the lines build up in the darker areas, like the brim of the cap, giving a sense of weight and presence. For me, the rough, expressive quality of Gestel's line reminds me of the work of other artists like Van Gogh, who used their marks to convey emotion and energy. This drawing feels like a snapshot of a thought, a quick but powerful impression of a man.