Dienstmeid, in profiel c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a maid in profile, using what looks like charcoal or crayon, and the marks have a real sense of immediacy. It's like he was trying to capture a fleeting moment, not just an image, but the feeling of seeing someone relaxed and unaware. Look at the way he uses these quick, almost scribbled lines to define her face and hair; it's not about detail, but more about the essence of her form. And then there's this darker, smudged area around her head, which adds a sense of depth. The lines are bold, but they don't feel harsh, they are softened and blurred. It’s amazing how he creates a sense of intimacy with so few strokes. This piece reminds me of Edgar Degas and his sketches of dancers; both artists have a knack for capturing candid moments with a kind of effortless grace. It's like they're inviting us to witness something private and real, and that's what makes art so special.