Vrouwenhoofd, in profiel c. 1886 - 1903

Isaac Israels made this sketch of a woman's head in profile with a black crayon, likely in the Netherlands around the turn of the 20th century. Israels was known for his quick, impressionistic style, capturing everyday life in a modernizing society. Here, the woman’s features are merely suggested, with the artist focusing on the overall form and gesture. This reflects a shift in artistic interest, away from academic precision and towards capturing fleeting moments and subjective impressions. Israels belonged to a generation of artists who questioned traditional artistic conventions, like the Hague School. They were interested in depicting modern life. Studying the social history of the Netherlands during this period – its burgeoning urban culture, the changing roles of women, and the rise of new artistic movements – can help us understand how this drawing reflects its time. Art history isn’t just about the image itself, it requires research into its wider context.