Schetsboek L met 41 bladen 1875 - 1934

This sketchbook was made by Isaac Israels, but we don’t know exactly when. The cover has a beautiful worn, tactile quality. I just want to hold it. The scratches and imperfections in the brown surface create a subtle texture that speaks to its age and use. A painter uses a sketchbook as a place to experiment and explore ideas. It's a kind of laboratory where the artist can try out different techniques and approaches without the pressure of creating a finished piece. There's a kind of freedom in that, a sense of play and discovery that I really appreciate. The blue notations on the front, like casual graffiti, add another layer of intrigue. It reminds me of the work of Cy Twombly, who embraced chance and imperfection in his art, creating a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The sketchbook then, is not just an object, but a testament to the artistic process itself, to the ongoing conversation between artist and medium.