Udkast til "Sif" 1904 - 1909

This drawing, "Udkast til 'Sif'", was made by Karl Isakson, but we don't know exactly when, though it feels so fresh, like he just put down his pencil. It's like you’re seeing the artist thinking, line by line. See how the seated figure is so lightly sketched, almost as if she's emerging from the paper? Then there's another version of the head, floating above. It’s all about process, about finding the right form, the right pose. The texture of the paper is visible, adding to the intimacy. The pencil marks are so delicate, but they describe a solid, three-dimensional form. Look at the shading on her torso, it’s like he’s feeling the weight of her body. It reminds me a bit of Paula Modersohn-Becker, that same search for simplicity and truth. It’s not about perfection, it’s about the journey. It's about the conversation between the artist and the artwork.