Vrouwenhoofd, in profiel 1875 - 1934

This is a charcoal drawing of a woman’s head in profile by Isaac Israels. It is currently at the Rijksmuseum, but was probably made on location. Israels’ approach is direct and immediate, the marks laid down with confidence. The smudgy, almost grubby quality of the charcoal is very appealing, its velvety blacks and greys offering a sensuous experience. Looking at the woman’s hair, it’s clear how Israels built up the form through layers of hatching, allowing the tooth of the paper to create texture and luminosity. It makes me think of Manet, and how he would begin a painting with thin washes of colour, gradually building up the image through successive layers. The rapid, sketch-like quality of the drawing also captures a sense of movement and energy. What I mean is, it offers a glimpse into Israels’ process, his working methods, his intuitive response to the world around him. A finished painting can sometimes feel too refined, losing the raw immediacy that makes art so exciting. Here, Israels embraces imperfection, celebrating the beauty of the unfinished.