Schetsblad met paarden (1891) Rug | Leo Gestel

Leo Gestel was a leading figure in early 20th-century Dutch modernism, celebrated for his bold experimentation with a wide range of avant-garde styles. Born into an artistic family in the Netherlands, Gestel became one of the most versatile modern painters of his generation, exploring Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, and Post-Impressionism with equal enthusiasm.

He was part of the Dutch avant-garde movement known as the "Modern Art Circle" and exhibited alongside other major innovators like Piet Mondrian and Jan Toorop. Gestel’s work often features vibrant color palettes, dynamic compositions, and a fearless play with abstraction — whether painting landscapes, still lifes, or figures. His travels to Paris and Southern Europe exposed him to cutting-edge developments in modern art, which he readily absorbed and reinterpreted through his own lens.

Despite facing setbacks, including a studio fire in 1929 that destroyed a large portion of his work, Gestel remained a restless innovator until his death. Today, he is recognized as a key bridge between Dutch traditionalism and international modernist currents.