Leeuw en een man met een pet 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this sketch of a lion and a man wearing a cap with graphite on paper. The artist captured the essence of his subjects with spare but expressive lines. The choice of graphite, a readily available and inexpensive material, speaks to the immediacy and accessibility of the drawing. Graphite pencils, in particular, emerged as a powerful tool for artists during the Industrial Revolution, thanks to new methods of mass production. This material allowed for quick studies and preliminary sketches, like this one. The texture of the paper, though smooth, subtly influences the graphite, creating slight variations in tone and depth. The artist’s hand is evident in the controlled strokes that define the forms of the lion and the man. The conscious decision to leave the drawing unfinished invites us to consider the creative process itself. By focusing on the materials and making of this sketch, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's vision. We can also consider the social and economic factors that shaped artistic production during the time it was created.