Jonge vrouw, in profiel c. 1919

Isaac Israels sketched this young woman in profile using graphite on paper, and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum. Israels, active in the Netherlands and later in London, was known for his depictions of modern urban life. This sketch, though minimal, offers insight into the artistic process and the social context of its creation. The quick, informal lines suggest a fleeting moment captured from life. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists like Israels were moving away from traditional academic painting, seeking to represent everyday subjects and experiences. Israels, like many of his contemporaries, was influenced by the rise of Realism and Impressionism, movements that challenged the established art institutions and their preference for historical and mythological subjects. To fully understand this sketch, one might delve into the artist’s biography, examining exhibition records, critical reviews, and the social networks in which Israels operated. This helps us appreciate the artwork not just as an isolated image, but as a product of a specific cultural and institutional moment.