Zittende vrouw op een veranda 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this drawing of a seated woman on a veranda using graphite on paper. The artist employed a series of hatching and cross-hatching techniques to build up tone, and describe the form of the figure and the surrounding environment. Look closely, and you will see that the strokes of graphite vary in weight and direction, creating a sense of depth and texture. The artist used the qualities of graphite - its ability to create soft, smudged lines, or sharp, defined marks - to enhance the overall atmosphere of the scene. Notice, too, how the economy of line contributes to the image's overall effect. This quick study showcases the artist’s technical skill, but also reflects a sensitivity to the everyday, and the humble material of graphite. By giving such careful attention to the scene, Israëls elevates it to a subject worthy of contemplation, inviting us to pause and consider the beauty of the mundane.