Vrouw met hoed, in profiel c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch, “Vrouw met hoed, in profiel,” using graphite on paper. Israels lived in a time when women were finding new freedoms and challenging social norms. This sketch provides an intimate glimpse into a woman's identity through the simple addition of a hat, which in this time was not just a fashion statement but a symbol of status and individuality. The woman’s profiled view obscures a direct emotional connection, yet there’s an undeniable sense of character. Israels captures her poised stillness, suggesting a quiet confidence. This piece may not shout a political message, but it subtly acknowledges the changing roles and representations of women in society. It invites us to consider the everyday expressions of identity, and how artists like Israels played a role in observing and interpreting these shifts.