Vrouw, mogelijk op een balkon 1887 - 1934

This frenetic charcoal drawing of a woman, possibly on a balcony, was made by Isaac Israels, but when? The paper is covered with dark, energetic marks, they almost look like they are vibrating, don't they? Israels really went at it here, didn't he? I can almost feel the artist’s hand moving rapidly, trying to capture a fleeting impression. I imagine Israels standing there, on that balcony, squinting, probably sweating a little, trying to get it all down before the light changed. Was he in a hurry? Or was he always this speedy? Look at the way he renders the dress with these quick vertical strokes, and how the zigzags imply the balcony. What do you think she's thinking about? Israels’ sketch brings to mind other artists who worked similarly, like Manet, or maybe even some of Degas’ pastels. All of these artists are in conversation with each other, across time and space, inspiring one another’s creativity. It’s like one big, messy, wonderful party!