Liggende en slapende katten c. 1855 - 1859

This is a page of cat studies, drawn by Jozef Israëls with graphite on paper. Graphite pencils are an incredibly versatile tool - think of them as a relatively industrialized form of charcoal, capable of quick sketches or highly finished drawings. The artist has used shading to define the cats' volumes, applying varying degrees of pressure on the pencil to create darker and lighter tones. Notice the contrast between the more defined cats at the bottom of the page and the looser, sketchier ones above. The very qualities of the paper support Israëls explorations, its slight toothiness or texture, giving the graphite something to grab onto. This drawing is not about the virtuosity of the artist’s hand, or the refinement of the medium; rather, it is about Israëls's ability to capture a fleeting moment in time. It is a modest, but revealing, testament to the power of drawing. It reminds us that an artwork’s value lies as much in its making as in its final form.