Vignet voor De Gemeenschap (ontwerp) c. 1935

This drawing, Vignet voor De Gemeenschap, was made by Leo Gestel, using pen and ink on paper. I love the bold confidence of these lines; they remind me of handwriting, and how quickly you can capture a feeling with just a few well-placed strokes. Look at the way he’s suggested the movement of the bull, the tension in its muscles, all with these quick, energetic marks. It’s like he’s trying to capture the essence of the moment, not just the appearance. The stark contrast of black ink on white paper creates a real sense of drama. Notice how Gestel varies the thickness of the lines to create depth and shadow. It's a raw, immediate, and emotional depiction. Gestel's work often explored themes of social commentary, and I think of Francisco Goya, who also explored conflict and human drama through his art. Both artists remind us that art can be a powerful tool for reflecting on the complexities of our world.