Geknield meisje bij een boom 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls rendered this drawing of a kneeling girl by a tree with graphite on paper. The texture of the paper is integral to the piece, as Israëls exploits its grain to create tonal variation. Notice how he has built up layer upon layer of graphite, using a hatched technique to produce darker areas of shade. This method of working is interesting because it asks us to consider the labor involved in the creation of the artwork. The artist is not simply applying a wash of color, but painstakingly building up the image through a process of repeated mark-making. The choice of graphite as a medium is also significant, as it is a relatively inexpensive and accessible material, commonly used for sketching and preliminary studies. The drawing represents a fusion of fine art skill with everyday materials and manual work. By emphasizing these elements, we can appreciate how Israëls elevated the commonplace through craft.