Vrouw, mogelijk lopend c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a woman, possibly walking, at an unknown date using pencil or charcoal on paper. It's all about capturing a fleeting moment, a sense of movement. Look at how the lines are smudged and blurred, creating a soft, hazy effect. There's a real sensitivity in the way he handles the material. The dark, intense charcoal marks around the woman's dress contrast with the lighter, fainter lines that suggest the background. It's almost like the figure is emerging from a cloud of smoke. I love the way he uses line to suggest form and movement, it's very immediate. It reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz, another artist who was able to convey so much emotion with just a few strokes of charcoal. And, like Kollwitz, there's a sense of empathy in Israels' portrayal of the woman, a recognition of her humanity. Art isn't just about making pretty pictures, it's about connecting with each other, across time and space.