Vrouw met gesloten ogen 1875 - 1934

This sketch, Vrouw met gesloten ogen by Isaac Israels, probably made with charcoal or pencil, captures a moment of quiet introspection. Israels’ approach to mark-making here is immediate, searching, and open. You can see how the lines build up, layer upon layer, to suggest form and shadow. Looking closely, notice the texture created by the graphite on paper. The strokes are loose and expressive, particularly around the figure’s hair and clothing. It is almost possible to trace the artist’s hand as it moved across the page. There’s a real sense of the artist working quickly to capture a fleeting impression. The marks are not overly precise, but they convey a feeling of depth and volume. The woman's closed eyes invite us to consider her internal world, creating a sense of intimacy. Israels reminds me of Degas, both artists were invested in capturing the fleeting and informal aspects of modern life. Like both of these artists, this drawing invites us to consider the way art is not just about what we see but how we feel, and what we imagine.