Vrouwenhoofd, in profiel 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Vrouwenhoofd, in profiel, with a pencil on paper, and it's now at the Rijksmuseum. What grabs me is the sheer confidence in each line, how they define space and form with such economy. You get a sense of the artist really knowing their subject, but also being willing to let the drawing breathe. The graphite feels almost velvety in the darker areas, like in the woman’s hair, where the strokes are dense and layered. Then, look at the delicate, almost hesitant lines outlining her face, they're so light. It’s like Israels is feeling his way around her features, capturing not just what he sees, but also how he sees. This reminds me a bit of Degas' drawings; both artists share a similar ability to convey movement and intimacy with just a few strokes. It's a reminder that art isn't just about perfection, it's about the messy, beautiful process of trying to understand the world around us.