Abklatsch van de krijttekening op blad 22 verso 1875 - 1934

This artwork is a transfer of a chalk drawing on page 22 verso, by Isaac Israels. It's created using a transfer technique, a process that inherently involves a copy, a trace of an original. Look closely, and you can see a ghostly image, an echo of the initial chalk drawing. The softness of the chalk allows it to lift and transfer, creating a diffused, textured impression. The image is now separated from the artist’s hand, appearing as a faint presence on the page. This work prompts questions about authenticity, originality, and the value we place on the direct touch of the artist. The transfer process creates distance, a step removed from the artist's initial intent, and introduces accidental marks, dust, and smudges. These unintended interventions become part of the work, adding to its unique character. By focusing on the process of reproduction, Israels challenges our perception of drawing and invites us to consider the rich potential of the copy.