Kussend stel 1891 - 1941

Curator: Ah, yes. "Kussend stel", or "Kissing Couple" by Leo Gestel, dating somewhere between 1891 and 1941. It's a striking pencil drawing currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression? Intense tenderness, almost claustrophobic in its closeness. The heavy strokes of the pencil give it a weighty, almost sculptural feel. There's something deeply vulnerable about it. Curator: Vulnerability is a key aspect. Gestel, a pioneer of Dutch Expressionism, often explored themes of human emotion in raw and unfiltered ways. This drawing really embodies that. Notice how he uses the pencil to create almost a cocoon around the figures, emphasizing their connection but also their isolation from the outside world. Editor: Yes, and the lack of distinct facial features actually heightens that sense of intimacy, doesn’t it? They could be anyone, everyone – which somehow makes the embrace more universal and powerful. It’s about the feeling, not the individuals. It feels as if Gestel used many strokes to define and explore the weight of this scene Curator: Precisely. And think about the period. Gestel was working during a time of immense social and political upheaval. Expressionism, as a movement, sought to give voice to inner anxieties and emotions. This work could be seen as a counterpoint to the chaos of the outside world: a small moment of solace and human connection. Its almost a protest towards all bad things through simple intimate gestures, a sign of freedom. Editor: I agree, there's definitely a sense of defiant intimacy here. Almost as if this private embrace is a rebellion against the increasing alienation of modern life. I am just moved about how raw the lines, shades and emotion feel while looking at it. Curator: And that's the beauty of Gestel's work, isn't it? He captures the rawness of human experience in its most intimate form. It's simple in its execution, a modest pencil on paper, but deeply complex in its emotional resonance. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, connection and tenderness can endure. Its lovely. Curator: Indeed. A testament to the enduring power of human connection and a brilliant, expressive drawing by Leo Gestel.