Vrouw, in profiel c. 1915s - 1925s

Here's a page torn from a sketchbook with a fleeting portrait of Vrouw, in profiel, by Isaac Israels. You know, I can almost feel the artist standing there, pencil in hand, rapidly trying to capture the essence of this woman, her presence reduced to its most essential components. A simple, flowing line traces the curve of her nose, the delicate slope of her brow, and the soft fullness of her lips. There is a certain intimacy, a sense of quiet observation that speaks to the artist’s keen eye and empathetic spirit. You know, sketching is such a great way of understanding things. It's a way of thinking through the process of making. Like a conversation with the subject. Like Israels is saying: I see you!