Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Isaac Israels made this drawing, Vrouwenhoofd, with pencil on paper. The artist's hand is so present, isn't it? You can see how the marks build up, almost like a puzzle coming together piece by piece. Looking at the head, the lines are so delicate, like whispers, defining the contour of her face. Then, notice the bolder, darker strokes in her hair. It’s like Israels wanted to capture not just her likeness but the very essence of her presence. The texture of the paper shows through, giving the drawing a raw, immediate feel. It feels as though it's not just about what's drawn but the act of drawing itself. This kind of directness reminds me of the sketches of Degas; that same interest in capturing a fleeting moment, a sense of movement and life, rather than aiming for a polished, finished statement. It's a reminder that art is often about exploration, about asking questions, rather than providing definitive answers.
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