Kudde paarden 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this quick sketch of horses on paper, using graphite. At first glance, it’s just a preparatory sketch, nothing fancy. But consider the character of graphite: easily applied, readily erased. It is ideal for the exploratory work we see here. Notice how Gestel tested out several poses, almost like a stop-motion animation. The pressure of the artist’s hand on the paper varies, creating lines that range from assertive to barely-there. In this period, graphite wasn’t just for preliminary sketches; it was also used for finished works by artists like Seurat and Monet. Gestel is playing with the status of drawing, elevating it above mere preparation, hinting at modern life’s dynamism. In a world of constant change, maybe an artwork doesn't need to be polished, and resolved. The energy of a sketch can be enough. And even more than that, it can express something essential about our time.