Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 10 c. 1886 - 1903

This is a transfer of a chalk drawing, made by Isaac Israels, who lived from 1865 to 1934. Chalk is an interesting material – seemingly simple, but capable of great expressive range. In this case, the artist has created a print from the chalk drawing. This is a clever move because it preserves the original image, and also allows the artist to create multiple versions. This multiplication speaks to the rise of industrial processes, and the increasing desire for art to be available to a wider audience, reflecting a shift in society and attitudes towards art. Think about the labor involved here: the artist's initial sketch in chalk, plus the labor needed for the printing process. This piece invites us to consider the relationship between artistic creation and the means of its reproduction and circulation, blurring the lines between the unique artwork and the multiple. It reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's tied to social and economic realities.