Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 21 1886 - 1903

Editor: We’re looking at a pencil drawing by Isaac Israels from around the turn of the century, titled "Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 21." It's currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. Honestly, my first impression is of something almost ghostly, a fleeting image, like a memory struggling to surface. What do you make of it? Curator: Oh, I love that "ghostly" description. It’s absolutely spot-on! For me, it feels like catching a glimpse of something intensely personal, almost illicitly. Israels isn't giving us a polished portrait, is he? It's a sketch, a trace. Look at how he captures light and shadow with just a few strokes, that’s so moving, isn’t it? I feel as if I am invited into his process of reflecting with the portrayed figure, that I am able to witness a dialogue through time... What does it speak to, for you? Editor: It makes me think about the fragility of images and how easily they can fade or be misinterpreted. Is there any information on the drawing style during that time? Curator: Well, the late 19th century saw a real fascination with capturing fleeting moments, think Impressionism. Artists were trying to move away from rigid academic styles and towards a more spontaneous and subjective way of seeing the world. It makes me want to know, to really wonder who is that and where did Isaac's path intersect with this character’s… Does this bring up something that you recognise? Editor: I recognize it. It makes me understand the emotional power behind raw sketches. Before our chat I probably would have moved past it quickly! Thank you for that point of view. Curator: Oh, the pleasure was all mine, trust me! It is indeed a delicate artwork, to admire privately and feel empathy.