Zittende vrouw 1887 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this quick sketch of a seated woman, probably on paper, maybe in a café, maybe in his studio. Look at how the marks build up, layer upon layer, to create form and shadow. I imagine Israels’ pencil dancing across the page, trying to capture the fleeting essence of his sitter. What was she thinking at that moment? Was she bored? Impatient? The lines are so loose and free, as if he's trying to get at something beyond just her appearance. Notice the density of lines around her face, compared to the more open, airy quality of the background. This contrast makes the figure pop, bringing her into focus. It’s like Israels is thinking through the pencil, the drawing a record of his thought process. This sketch reminds me of other impressionist artists who were interested in capturing the fleeting moments of modern life. There’s something so immediate and fresh about it. It feels like we’re eavesdropping on a private moment between artist and subject, a conversation unfolding through the simple act of drawing.