Boom in een bos in Pontresina c. 1869

Jozef Israëls made this watercolor and graphite drawing, "Boom in een bos in Pontresina," at an undetermined date. The quick, loose application of the watercolor emphasizes the temporary nature of the scene, as it is more like a memory. The colors evoke the textures of the natural world, with the green hues of the dense forest. The artist's hand is evident in the fluid strokes of the brush, giving life to the stillness of the forest. The sketch’s open, unfinished quality invites you to consider how it was made, as it is an observational study. This contrasts with the heavy, laborious work often associated with traditional art production. Israëls’ sketch captures an intimate moment, reminding us that even in quick studies, there's an appreciation of the natural world. The work challenges the traditional hierarchy between finished artworks and preliminary sketches.