Vrouw, in profiel 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this watercolor sketch of a woman, called "Vrouw, in profiel", sometime in his career. It is mostly monochrome with a limited palette of earthy browns and tans, giving it a tonal quality. The image is built up in washes so that the form emerges gradually from the ground, like a developing photograph. Looking at the painting, you can almost feel the water moving across the paper, pooling in some areas and skimming over others. See how the artist uses the fluidity of the medium to suggest the soft contours of the woman's face and hair? It feels like a fleeting impression, as if the woman is about to turn her head and disappear. The effect is so ethereal. The brushstrokes are quick and gestural, capturing the essence of the subject with a sense of immediacy and freshness. This reminds me of Manet, who was able to capture fleeting moments in his work, using loose brushstrokes and a sense of immediacy. Israels shares that ability to convey the beauty of everyday life in a way that feels both modern and timeless.