Gezicht, in profiel c. 1915s - 1925s

This work, titled "Gezicht, in profiel," by Isaac Israels, captures a face in profile. The symbol of the profile itself is a powerful one. Throughout history, the profile has been a means of identification, from ancient coins to Renaissance portraiture. Consider the classical cameos, where the profile conveyed nobility and permanence. This view, offering only a sliver of the self, invites speculation, turning the anonymous subject into an enigma. In ancient times, the profile was often associated with power. Yet here, in Israels' sketch, it presents a more intimate, vulnerable perspective. The act of turning away, of not meeting the viewer’s gaze directly, suggests introspection. The profile, thus, transforms from a symbol of strength to one of contemplative solitude. The echo of the past resonates within this simple sketch, creating a powerful connection that reminds us of the enduring human experience.