Figuren op een terras 1875 - 1934

This is Figuren op een terras, a drawing by Isaac Israels made with graphite on paper. It’s all about the energy of the line, isn't it? See how the marks are so quick and lively? It feels like Israels was trying to capture a fleeting moment, the vibe of a terrace buzzing with people. I love how he uses the graphite to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The shading is dense in some areas, almost like a dark cloud, and then lighter and more transparent in others. Look at the way he renders the figures: just a few lines, but you get a sense of their posture, their presence. It’s more about suggestion than description, which is so much more interesting, don’t you think? And those scribbled lines in the background? They could be anything: trees, buildings, the city itself. For me, Israels’ drawing connects to the work of Manet; the same interest in modern life, in capturing the energy of the everyday. Both artists remind us that art doesn't always have to be perfect or polished. Sometimes, it's the raw, unfinished quality that makes it so powerful.