Staande man in jacquet en hoofden c. 1915s - 1925s

This pencil drawing, Staande man in jacquet en hoofden (Standing man in a suit and heads), is by Isaac Israels. Israels was a Dutch painter associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Israels’ work often captured scenes of urban life and the working class. This sketch gives us a peek into his process of observing and documenting the world around him. The quick lines suggest the fast pace of modern life and the transient nature of human experience. It's an interesting contrast, isn't it? Here we see figures captured in a fleeting moment, yet they're also wearing the attire of the bourgeoisie. Consider how Israels, as an artist of his time, was navigating the complexities of class, representation, and the changing social landscape. This sketch isn't just a study of figures; it's a study of a society in flux.