Boot in een gracht, mogelijk in Amsterdam 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a boat in a canal, possibly in Amsterdam, using charcoal or graphite, and just look at that energy! You can almost feel the artist's hand moving quickly across the paper. Imagine Israels standing by the canal, sketchbook in hand, trying to capture the scene before him. Those dark, scribbled lines above – is that the sky, or just a shadow? What I love about this sketch is how the reflections in the water seem to blend with the buildings, creating this sort of dissolving effect. It's like the whole city is breathing! Look at the bold strokes used to depict the boat itself – so immediate and confident. This drawing isn't about perfection, it's about capturing a fleeting moment, a feeling, an impression. And isn't that what drawing is all about? Israels, like so many artists, shows us how to see the world in new ways.