Staande vrouw met haar handen in haar rug c. 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a standing woman, with her hands behind her back, using graphite on paper. The immediacy of graphite as a medium lends itself to capturing fleeting moments, a quality that Israels fully exploits here. The quick, confident strokes outline the figure with remarkable economy, suggesting form and texture with minimal detail. The very visible marks and smudges are integral to the piece, giving a sense of the artist's direct engagement with the subject, and the speed of the process. The choice of such a readily available, unassuming material and the simplicity of the sketch format speak to a democratic approach to art-making, focusing on observation and skill rather than elaborate materials or techniques. It invites us to consider the value of everyday moments and the artistry found in capturing them. In its unpretentious presentation, Israels' drawing challenges traditional hierarchies within the art world, elevating the sketch to a work of significance.