Vaas met bloemen 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this drawing of a vase with flowers sometime in the late nineteenth century, using graphite on paper. It might seem like a simple sketch, but the material itself—graphite—has an interesting story to tell. Graphite is pure carbon, and when refined into pencils it becomes a remarkably versatile tool. Notice how Israëls uses different pressures to create a range of values, from the soft grey petals to the dark, shadowy background. The tooth of the paper also plays a role, catching the graphite and adding texture. Drawings like this often served as preliminary studies for larger paintings. But they also have an inherent value, a direct record of the artist's hand and thought process. With just a pencil and paper, Israëls has captured the delicate beauty of these flowers, elevating a humble medium to a form of high art. It reminds us that the value of a work isn't just about the materials, but the skill and vision of the artist.