Zittende figuur met geheven linkerarm 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a seated figure with a raised left arm, with pencil on paper. The drawing shows us a figure emerging from a flurry of lines. Israels must have been moving quickly. I can see him building up the form with scribbles. There are some darker lines on the right, creating a shadow. The artist has paid close attention to the negative space around the body, the way the arm rises up and out, with the hand displayed. I wonder what Israels was thinking at the time? Was he trying to capture a fleeting moment, an impression of light, or emotion? The artist is in control here, but there is also a sense of chance and improvisation. It’s a study, a moment of seeing that leaves something unresolved and open. That’s what makes art so engaging. It's about conversation, exchange, and trying things out.