Figuur op een stoel 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels created this sketch, "Figuur op een stoel," a quick study of a seated figure, sometime before his death in 1934. Israels lived through immense social change during his life, and his work often explored modern life in Amsterdam and beyond. This sketch offers a glimpse into the artist’s process, inviting us to consider the lives and stories of those he observed. It’s a candid portrayal of a figure, possibly a woman given the suggestion of a dress, seated and lost in thought. Israels captures a moment of introspection, reflecting the growing interest in individual psychology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The quick, expressive lines convey a sense of immediacy, as though Israels is trying to capture a fleeting moment in time. While Israels often depicted scenes of leisure and entertainment, here, the focus shifts to the quiet dignity of the individual. The figure is not glamorized, but presented with a sense of respect and empathy. It's a glimpse into a private moment, rendered with a delicate hand.