Zelfportret van Isaac Israels 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this self-portrait on paper using pencil. Just imagine him quickly capturing his likeness in a flurry of marks, a dance of hand and eye. I love how the drawing feels so intimate and immediate. You can almost sense Israels' presence, his gaze meeting yours across time. There's a vulnerability in the sketchiness, a rawness that speaks to the artist's inner world. It's like he's inviting us into his studio, sharing a glimpse of himself as he is, without pretense. The loose, gestural lines create a sense of movement. The tonal variations communicate the play of light and shadow across his face, giving it depth and volume. It reminds me of the quick, confident strokes of artists like Manet or Degas. I see Israels trying to capture the fleeting essence of a moment. It’s like he's saying, "Here I am, in all my messy, imperfect glory." And in that honesty, there's a profound beauty.