Mannenhoofd met snor c. 1915s - 1925s

Editor: So, here we have Isaac Israels' "Man's Head with Moustache," a pencil drawing from around 1915 to 1925, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. The sketchiness really gives it this feeling of immediacy, like a fleeting glimpse. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a fascinating example of how artists engaged with evolving notions of masculinity and identity during and after the First World War. The quick, almost journalistic, quality reflects the changing social landscape and the desire to capture a sense of reality rather than idealizing it. It's a moment of raw observation. Editor: Interesting. The museum lists it as realism, and your reaction seems to align. The rawness you mention and the unfinished state perhaps, push against conventional heroic portraiture. But wouldn’t a typical "realistic" style demand more details? Curator: Exactly. That push against the "heroic" is key. The rapid, unfinished quality – while arguably within realism broadly - is almost a rejection of the rigid structures and propaganda that defined the pre-war era. Think about the context: The war had a massive impact on artistic styles, causing rejection of classical forms. Editor: So, the drawing’s style itself is a kind of statement, not just a lack of finish? Curator: Precisely. Israels seems interested in documenting the individual, stripped of any heroic embellishment, revealing perhaps a new vulnerability, or uncertainty that reflects that tumultuous period of societal upheaval. It raises interesting questions about what was deemed worthy of artistic representation and public consumption during this time. It would be interesting to learn more about the public display of art in the period... Editor: That is a great point! Considering what art and styles are being pushed based on social pressure, that brings new perspective. I'm going to explore other portraits in the Netherlands in the 1920s for my research, I see the importance in it now! Thanks!