Vrouw, staand met de handen achter de rug 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this drawing of a standing woman with her hands behind her back with graphite on paper. Graphite is so common these days, we hardly think about it. But in the 19th century, the pencil was a relatively new tool that allowed artists to quickly sketch ideas or create highly finished drawings. Here, Israëls uses the pencil to capture the essence of the woman's form. Notice how the strokes of graphite are loose and gestural, creating a sense of movement and energy. The smudging of the graphite adds depth and volume to the figure. The woman's posture conveys a sense of resignation or weariness, perhaps hinting at the hardships faced by working-class women in the 19th century. By focusing on the material and the process of drawing, we can appreciate how Israëls used simple means to create a powerful and evocative image, challenging traditional notions of high art by elevating the everyday subject matter and highlighting the artist's hand.