Vrouw met opgestoken haar c. 1886 - 1934

This is a sketch of a woman with her hair up, made by Isaac Israels, who lived from 1865 to 1934. Israels came of age in a time when traditional artistic norms were being challenged by new ideas about identity and representation. How does one capture the essence of a person? The upward gaze of the woman emphasizes her strong jawline. Her gaze and confident posture invite the viewer to consider her perspective, granting her agency within the portrait. Israels' work often focused on everyday life. It is as though he sought to capture authentic moments, reflecting an interest in the individual experiences of women in a rapidly changing world. The seemingly simple sketch invites a deeper reflection on the dynamic between artist and sitter, and on the evolving role of women in society.