Toeschouwers in een theater c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing of theatre spectators with pencil, capturing a fleeting moment. You can almost feel the energy of the crowd and the anticipation in the air. The quick, gestural lines give a sense of immediacy, like Israels was trying to capture the scene before it disappeared. Look at the way he uses hatching to create shadows and volume, especially in the figures clustered together on the right. It’s not about perfect representation, but more about conveying the essence of the scene. The scratchy quality reminds me of Daumier, who also found beauty in the everyday. There’s a sense of movement, like the figures are shifting and adjusting in their seats, eager for the performance to begin. It’s a reminder that art doesn't have to be about polished surfaces and perfect details. Sometimes, it's the rough edges and unfinished quality that make a work feel alive and real.