Mannenhoofd 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Mannenhoofd, with pen on paper. Look at the quick strokes, the pure economy of line. It's as if he’s trying to catch a fleeting thought, a mere suggestion of a face. I can imagine Isaac in his studio, or maybe even in a cafe, quickly sketching to capture the essence of a character before it disappears. There is an attitude of immediacy, like he’s trying to get something down before he forgets it. The lines seem tentative yet confident, feeling around for the form, like a sculptor coaxing a figure out of a block of marble. I'm reminded of other artists who use drawing as a form of thinking, like Cy Twombly. Artists are constantly looking at each other’s work, building on ideas, riffing off each other's techniques, and pushing the boundaries of expression. Each artist leaves their mark, contributing to the ongoing conversation.