Handen met bloemen en vlinders 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel created this drawing, “Hands with Flowers and Butterflies,” using graphite and charcoal. Notice the motif of the hand, a symbol resonant through art history, here appearing twice, offering a stark dichotomy. One hand presents a bouquet, a gesture reminiscent of classical depictions of Flora, the goddess of spring and fertility, symbolizing generosity and the beauty of nature. Yet, the second hand reaches towards butterflies, creatures often associated with transformation and the soul's journey, a pursuit of something more ephemeral. Consider how the image of a hand touching a butterfly contrasts with ancient Greek pottery, where similar gestures might depict gods interacting with mortals. Here, the hand is unadorned, save for a bracelet, grounding the spiritual in the everyday. This gesture echoes through time, resurfacing in unexpected forms. Ultimately, Gestel presents us with a vision that acknowledges our deep-seated longing for beauty, spirituality and transformation, capturing the complex, cyclical dance of symbols across time and culture.