Three Black Horses Standing Facing Left

About the Artist:
Leo Gestel (1881–1941) was a Dutch modernist painter and one of the leading figures of early 20th-century avant-garde art in the Netherlands. Influenced by Cubism, Futurism, and Expressionism, Gestel explored bold experimentation with form, color, and composition. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between abstraction and figuration, while his works retained a distinct energy and sensitivity that secured his place as a pioneer of modern Dutch painting.

About the Artwork:
Painted between 1935 and 1936, Drie zwarte paarden staand naar links kijkend (Three Black Horses Standing, Looking Left) demonstrates Gestel’s refined balance between naturalistic subject matter and modernist stylization. The three horses are portrayed in a simplified yet powerful manner, their strong silhouettes contrasted against a subdued background. The composition highlights not only the elegance and strength of the animals but also Gestel’s ability to distill natural forms into rhythmic, expressive shapes that evoke movement and vitality even in stillness.

Why We Selected It:
We chose this work for its striking presence and sculptural clarity. The black horses, poised with quiet strength, bring a sense of dignity and rhythm to any interior. Gestel’s modernist sensibility transforms a traditional subject into a bold statement piece—ideal for collectors and spaces that value both classical beauty and avant-garde interpretation.