Danseres met de handen in de zij 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels drew this dancer with the hands in her side, on paper, with pencil. It’s a kind of scribble, right? The lines aren't precious, they swarm like flies on a hot day, and in the mass of marks we get the impression of the dancer's posture, her hands on her hips. But it's more than just a sketch, it's an invitation. Israels isn't showing off his skill, he’s inviting us to participate. Look how the lines gather to suggest the dancer’s face and head, then spread out to define the shape of the body. It is all suggestion! The interesting thing here is how something simple can be so emotionally and conceptually loaded. This is the root of painting – mark making. It reminds me of drawings by Manet, each artist inviting us into the studio to see how images emerge and take form. It's all about the process, not the finished product.