Figuren op straat c. 1930 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Figuren op straat, with pencil. Look at how Israels jots down these figures and boats with such sparse lines. It’s like he’s trying to capture a fleeting moment. The pencil marks are so light, so quick. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the page, trying to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the street. The texture of the paper peeks through, adding a sense of immediacy, as if this was drawn on the spot, in a rush. There’s a freedom in this kind of sketchiness, an openness to interpretation. The scribbled lines at the bottom right give the impression of movement and depth, suggesting reflections on the water, or perhaps the shadows cast by the figures. It reminds me a little of Manet, in his ability to capture the essence of a scene with just a few strokes. It’s a reminder that art is about capturing an experience, not just recording a scene.