Staande figuur, op de rug gezien c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing, ‘Standing Figure, Seen From The Back’, with graphite on paper. I imagine Israels in a contemplative mood, maybe outdoors, capturing the essence of a figure with economical strokes. The diagonal hatching creates depth and volume. Look at how the strokes follow the form, suggesting the curve of a shoulder and the fall of fabric! The pressure of the graphite varies, creating subtle shifts in tone that bring the figure to life. Israels seems to focus on capturing light and shadow, abstracting the figure, and emphasizing the overall composition. This drawing reminds me that every artist is in dialogue with the past, building upon traditions, and pushing boundaries. Israels’ exploration of form and light connects him to artists like Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec, who captured fleeting moments of modern life. The spirit of artistic exchange continues today, with artists everywhere engaging in their own conversations with painting.