Danseres c. 1930 - 1934

This is Isaac Israels’ ‘Danseres,’ a drawing with graphite on paper, held in the Rijksmuseum. It's all about the immediacy of mark-making. Israels is using line here in a way that feels so free. Check out how the shading creates depth and movement, and how the dancer's form is really suggested more than described. It's like he's capturing a fleeting moment, the energy of the dance. The texture is all in the strokes of the graphite, creating a sense of light and shadow that's really dynamic. Look at the way the lines around the figure almost vibrate. It reminds me of Degas, actually, in its attention to movement and the everyday, though Israels has his own distinct style. Both artists were interested in capturing a sense of fleeting modernity, embracing the beauty of imperfection. It’s a reminder that art isn't about perfection, it's about the conversation and the questions it raises.