Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 46 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this work, Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 46, using a printing technique to transfer a chalk drawing from one surface to another. What emerges are delicate, ghostly marks in shades of grey. I imagine Israels, deeply immersed in the possibilities of his medium. I can almost feel his hand moving across the surface, the chalk leaving traces of thought and feeling. It seems like he's teasing out forms from the ether, not quite solid, more like memories or fleeting impressions. The marks are light and dark, bold and hesitant. There's a real intimacy to it, like we’re peering into the artist’s sketchbook, catching a glimpse of their private explorations. Like a conversation between the artist and his materials. Painting is a way of thinking, feeling, and seeing. It’s a space of inquiry that artists invite us to enter.