Vrouwenhoofd met hoed 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels likely made this drawing with ink on paper, capturing a woman's head adorned with a hat. The immediacy of the medium allowed Israels to quickly record his observations. The fluidity of ink lends itself well to capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and shadow, and its graphic nature has imbue the artwork with energy. The hat is suggested through dense, layered lines, indicative of its volume, while the woman's face emerges from delicate marks, capturing her gaze. Israels work reminds us of the rich history of drawing as a fundamental practice in art. His exploration of materials and techniques blurs the boundaries between sketch and finished work, inviting us to appreciate the beauty found in the everyday. It challenges notions of the work involved in the production process, and the distinctions between fine art and craft.