Zittende vrouw 1887 - 1934

Isaac Israels created this drawing, Zittende Vrouw, with pencil on paper. It's all about the energy of the line, isn't it? The way he loops and scribbles, never quite committing. He's feeling out the form, almost like sculpting with the pencil. Look at how the lines around her face are so tentative, like he's searching for the right expression. And then there are those bold, confident strokes defining her body. There's a real push and pull. It reminds me of some of my own painting processes - that dance between control and letting go. It all reminds me of Degas, both artists were interested in depicting modern women. However, Israels captures something more raw and immediate. Ultimately, it's about capturing a fleeting moment and the energy of being alive.