Vrouwenhoofd met hoed, in profiel 1887 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch of a woman's head with a hat in profile, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The quick, energetic marks, especially around the hat and hair, give it a real sense of movement, don't they? It's like he's trying to capture a fleeting impression. Look at how Israels uses the pencil – sometimes lightly, barely touching the paper, and other times pressing down to create these dark, almost scribbled areas. The contrast makes the drawing jump to life, it’s so immediate! Those wild, looping lines that form the frills of her garment, they are so full of energy. I love how they sort of vibrate against the more solid, shaded areas, bringing a sense of drama to this small study. It’s so interesting to see these kinds of informal sketches. It reminds me a bit of Daumier’s drawings – that same interest in capturing everyday life with a raw and honest hand. It shows that art doesn't always have to be about perfection, but more about the joy of looking and the process of recording.