Figuren in een kleedkamer c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this sketch of figures in a dressing room, likely in one of the theaters he frequented. I imagine him sitting in the wings or in a dark corner of the house with a sketchbook in hand, rapidly capturing the flurry of activity backstage, the performer's gestures. It’s amazing how Israels gets a whole scene down with just a few lines. Look at the way the bodies are defined by these energetic marks, they almost seem to vibrate with life, as if Israels wanted to capture the energy of the moment. The quick, rhythmic lines create a sense of movement and immediacy, echoing the fleeting nature of performance. The best artists look at other artist's works! It’s one big conversation that goes on for generations. Israels' quick sketch is part of that conversation, and it's still talking to us today.