Dansende vrouw en man c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch of a dancing woman and man with graphite on paper. It’s all about capturing movement, that impulsive energy of bodies in motion. For me, the art-making process is similar, that feeling of letting a line lead you, seeing where it goes. Check out the woman's skirt: see how Israels uses these quick, diagonal strokes? It’s not about perfect representation; it's about the sensation of fabric swirling. The pressure of the graphite varies, creating a rhythm, almost like the beat of music. There's a freedom in the way Israels handles the medium. It reminds me of Degas, his contemporary, who was also interested in capturing dancers, but Degas' works are more polished. This sketch feels raw, immediate, like a fleeting moment caught on paper. It's like Israels is saying, "Here, look at this. Isn't it alive?"