Staande vrouw 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this simple sketch of a standing woman with pencil on paper, and it's all about the touch. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving quickly, capturing the essence of the figure with just a few lines. The sketch is raw, immediate; the artist is thinking through the pencil. There's a real energy in the way he lays down each stroke. The lines aren't precious; they overlap and intersect, creating a sense of movement and volume. Look at the way he suggests the folds of her dress, or the curve of her shoulder. It's all done with such economy and confidence. It reminds me a bit of Matisse’s drawings, where he was able to capture so much with so little. And like those drawings, this sketch invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the simple line.