Abklatsch van een tekening 1875 - 1934

This work is an undated drawing by Isaac Israels held at the Rijksmuseum. The smudgy graphite marks suggest the artist was in a hurry, trying to capture a fleeting impression. I can almost imagine Israels with his sketchbook, quickly trying to render the essence of his subject. The lines are so faint, that it is hard to see what it is. Is it a portrait, or just a figment of the artist's imagination? The marks are light and quick as if the artist is sketching an idea as fast as they can before it disappears. The texture of the paper is part of the image. Israels must have made this drawing to preserve a vision, a feeling, or a memory he wanted to remember. It reminds us of how artists are constantly observing, always processing, finding inspiration in the most mundane encounters. This little sketch can speak volumes about the artist's process and mindset.