Avondlandschap bij Montfoort | Leo Gestel

The Dutch painter Leo Gestel was a student of the Amsterdam academy. He came to Paris in 1904 next to Jan Sluyters with whom he played an important role in the spread of Modernist art in Holland. His major inspirations came from Van Gogh, fauvism and cubism, as well as flamish expressionism after the first World War. In 1929, the majority of his work was lost in a fire that destroyed his studio. He then moved to Blaricum.
Leo Gestel paints Avondlandschap bij Montfoort in 1909. It belongs to a series of 5 paintings, called Montfoort. The light palette, instead of trying to represent reality, gives a psychic impression of optimism and cheerfulness. Gestel borrowed his painting technique from Luminism, which is a technique that Mondriaan was also using at the same period.

7th floor Castalia

Avondlandschap bij Montfoort is projected on the 7th floor of Castalia. This is a floor of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, so the painting used here reflects on these themes. This office floor holds open and closed working places, meeting rooms and a lounge.