Mannenhoofd met snor c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels drew this sketch, 'Mannenhoofd met snor', and what strikes me is the directness of it. The way the lines fumble and suggest, rather than declare. It's a drawing where you sense the hand moving, trying to catch a likeness, a feeling. I bet Israels was wrestling with the essence of the figure, trying to capture something beyond mere appearance. The texture isn't just in the drawing itself, but in the potential it holds, like a question mark hanging in the air. The way the mustache is just hinted at, those little scribbles suggesting hair and shadow, that’s painting too—only with a pencil. You know, drawing is also about touch and pressure. It makes me think about other artists who capture a quick impression, like Manet or Degas. We're all in conversation, borrowing and riffing off each other’s moves. Painting is a dance across time.