Schetsboek XXIII met 20 bladen 1875 - 1934

Editor: This is *Schetsboek XXIII met 20 bladen* (Sketchbook XXIII with 20 pages) by Isaac Israels, dating from 1875 to 1934. It's currently at the Rijksmuseum and consists of drawings in coloured pencil and regular pencil on paper. The sketchbook cover looks kind of worn, doesn't it? I am wondering what's inside this notebook... How would you approach interpreting something so intimate? Curator: Intimate is spot on. Imagine flipping through the pages... it’s like stepping into Israels' mind, glimpsing his everyday observations and artistic process. We're seeing the artist thinking aloud on paper. The visible wear and tear also emphasizes its lived-in quality. Are those coffee stains? It makes you wonder, what were the cafes like where Israels worked and how much does such atmosphere define one's art? Editor: So, its imperfections enhance our sense of connection with the artist. But what about the choice of media – pencil and coloured pencil? Does that say anything about his intentions? Curator: Absolutely. Pencil lends itself to immediacy and quick studies, capturing fleeting moments. Coloured pencil, with its subtle variations in hue, suggests a desire to add depth and emotion, a gentle nod toward the Impressionist style. Look at those smudges and the visible layers of graphite. These aren’t meant to be polished masterpieces but honest reflections. Do you find yourself also wanting to touch the object as well? Editor: Definitely. There's something appealing about being able to peek inside an artist’s personal tool, like a sketchbook. Curator: Exactly. It's a portal, a time capsule... not just displaying finished products, but documenting a way of seeing. Editor: I suppose before, I always thought of museums as displaying the final result of the hard work of an artist and not these sorts of spontaneous tools. Curator: And seeing this makes you see artists differently? I guess my final advice is that such sketchbooks humanize those geniuses we have put up on a pedestal. They bring us all closer together!