Vrouwen, mogelijk revuedanseressen c. 1915s - 1925s

This loose sketch of possible revue dancers was made by Isaac Israels at an unknown date. I like to imagine Israels on the spot with his paper and pencil, quickly trying to capture a moment, a sense of movement. The sketch is so minimal, yet it suggests so much. Look at those swirling lines that could be hair or a feather boa. See how he uses just a few lines to capture the women’s posture and their costumes. Israels was part of a generation of painters who were interested in modern life. He was drawn to portraying dancers and performers. Maybe he saw something of himself in them, that impulse to try things out, to practice, to improvise, to just be free to make a mess, try again, and make something new. Painters learn from each other, inspire each other. It’s an ongoing conversation, and this sketch is part of that dialogue. It shows that even a quick sketch can be a powerful form of expression, leaving plenty to the imagination.