Figuurstudies 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made these figure studies, we don't know when, with a pencil on paper. I love seeing the bare bones of an idea, that initial, raw moment of creation. What was Israels thinking when he put pencil to paper? Were these figures he saw in a cafe, a park? I can almost see him quickly sketching, trying to capture the essence of a pose, a gesture, a fleeting expression. The beauty of these drawings lies in their simplicity, their directness. The lines are loose, almost scribbled, but they convey so much with so little. And that's the thing about drawing, isn't it? It's not about perfection, it's about capturing a feeling, a moment, a thought. It reminds me of other artists who've used drawing as a way to explore form and movement. Israels is in good company! It’s a reminder that art is a conversation, a dialogue across time and space. Each artist building on the ideas of those who came before, adding their own unique voice to the mix.