Staande vrouw met hoed 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a standing woman with a hat, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century, with graphite on paper. I love how Israels captures the essence of his subject with just a few lines. Look how he uses a combination of light and dark shading to create depth and volume. The woman's hat is particularly well-rendered, with its curved brim and subtle details. It's incredible how much information Israels conveys with so few marks. There’s a cluster of marks to the left, see how they seem to vibrate, suggesting shadows on a building, the way a city buzzes with activity. It reminds me of the work of Edgar Degas, who was also interested in capturing the fleeting moments of modern life. Both artists were masters of capturing the energy and movement of their subjects. Ultimately, this drawing is a reminder that art doesn't have to be complicated or overly detailed to be powerful. Sometimes, the simplest gestures can be the most effective.