Man met stok, zittend op een trap c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing called ‘Man met stok, zittend op een trap’ with graphite on paper. The quick, light touch of the pencil gives it this feeling of spontaneity, like Israels was capturing a fleeting moment. See how the lines aren't trying to be perfect? They overlap and kind of dance around each other, especially around the man's form. It's as if the artist is more interested in the energy of the scene than getting every detail right. I find myself drawn to the contrast between the dense, shaded areas and the sparse, open spaces. It’s a simple sketch, but it reminds me of someone like Daumier, who was also all about capturing everyday life. Art isn't always about grand statements; sometimes, it's about noticing the quiet moments. It's like Israels is saying, "Hey, look at this guy. He's just sitting there, but there's something interesting about it."