Vrouw met hoed, in profiel c. 1886 - 1934

This is a drawing by Isaac Israels, made with pencil, with a clear sense of immediacy. I can almost see the artist quickly sketching, trying to capture the essence of the woman before she moves or changes her pose. The marks are loose, yet precise, giving the impression of a fleeting moment. I can imagine Israels focusing intently, his hand moving swiftly across the page, trying to get the angle of the hat just right, the tilt of her head. It makes me think about the tradition of portraiture and how artists throughout history have grappled with capturing not just the likeness, but also the spirit of their subjects. This one feels so alive, so intimate, like we're getting a glimpse into a private moment. Israels’ drawing feels like a direct conversation with other artists who have explored similar themes. Isn't it lovely how artists speak to each other through their work, across time and space?