Staande figuren voor muzikanten 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch of standing figures before musicians with pencil on paper. What captures me is the intimacy of the marks, the way the artist seems to be thinking through the pencil. I can imagine Israels quickly capturing figures from life. How he observed the scene, absorbing the postures and presences of the musicians. I can see the speed and the confidence in his mark-making. Look how thin and light the marks are, quickly mapping the figures onto the surface, searching for their form and rhythm. The sketchy lines create an impression of movement and spontaneity, as if the figures were caught in a fleeting moment. I’m so sympathetic to this artist, who I imagine, like me, wanted to capture a thought or feeling as quickly as possible, knowing they would soon be gone. Artists share ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity. Making art is an ongoing conversation.