Zittende vrouw c. 1886 - 1903

Isaac Israels made this sketch of a seated woman with graphite on paper. The immediacy of Israels's drawing brings us directly to his process, letting us witness his observational skills. Notice the varied pressures with which he applied the graphite, creating depth and dimension with simple mark-making. The quick, light strokes suggest the artist was capturing a fleeting moment. This impressionistic approach, focused on the immediate and sensory, was typical of Israels. The sketch as a medium is an intimate gesture, often seen as preparatory. Israels elevates it to a work of art in its own right. He challenges the traditional hierarchy between finished painting and preliminary sketch. By embracing the sketch, he highlights the beauty and significance of process and the importance of capturing everyday life.