Vrouwenhoofd, in profiel 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Vrouwenhoofd, in profile, using graphite on paper, and looking at it feels like I'm catching a glimpse of something fleeting, a moment of quiet observation. There's a real economy of line here. Israels captures the essence of the woman's face with these quick, searching marks. See how the lines around her hair are almost scribbled, full of energy, compared to the more delicate hatching that defines her features. It is through this variety in the materiality of the graphite that Israels creates a sense of volume and form. That dark patch above her head – is it hair, a hat, or just an abstract shape? It could be either, all or none. And those loose curls framing her face are so full of life! It reminds me of some of Degas' drawings, that same sense of capturing movement and light with the bare minimum of means. It feels like he's inviting us to participate in the act of seeing.