Twee figuurstudies c. 1915s - 1925s

Here is "Twee figuurstudies," made by Isaac Israels. In this delicate drawing, Israels has made a study of two figures with what appears to be a pencil on paper. I really love the quietness here. Israels is working out how to depict the human form with minimal fuss. You get a sense of what he is trying to understand by the sureness of the lines. Maybe he is trying to decide where to place the figure in a larger painting? I can imagine Israels working quickly and confidently here, without hesitation. The light touch reminds me of other artists who have worked in a similar way, like Degas or Manet. Artists are in ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity. This piece embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations and meaning over fixed readings.