Vrouwenhoofd met hoed in verschillende aanzichten 1875 - 1934

Editor: This sketch, "Vrouwenhoofd met hoed in verschillende aanzichten" by Isaac Israels, dating from somewhere between 1875 and 1934 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, feels like a peek into the artist’s notebook. It’s captivating – the varied angles give it a sense of movement. What strikes you most about this seemingly simple work? Curator: Well, this kind of sketchbook work offers us a fascinating glimpse into the artist's process. Israels, positioned between the Dutch Golden Age and Impressionism, was clearly engaging with contemporary portraiture conventions. But I see more than just preliminary studies here. I see Israels grappling with the social function of representing women. Editor: The social function? Can you elaborate on that? Curator: Consider the period. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed evolving roles for women in society. Israels’ loose, informal sketches, instead of presenting a highly idealized image, suggest a more democratic and arguably more realistic portrayal. He is, perhaps, subtly challenging the formal portraiture which often reinforced existing power structures. Think about whose images traditionally get preserved and celebrated in art…and why? Editor: That makes me see it in a completely new light! It’s not just about artistic skill, but also about who gets represented, and *how*. Curator: Precisely. And the museum displaying it now, adds another layer. By exhibiting a sketch, the museum acknowledges and validates the artistic process, giving insight to everyone. What do you take away from considering the museum's involvement here? Editor: Thinking about its display does complicate things further… showcasing it here in the museum allows everyday people to view Israels artwork. It’s empowering to consider artwork from a socio-political perspective. Thanks so much!