Twee verklede figuren c. 1930 - 1934

Isaac Israels sketched these two figures in costume, using graphite on paper. It's as if Israels was trying to pin down a fleeting glimpse, isn't it? I can almost feel him there, quickly capturing the essence of these figures, trying to catch their mood and the way they recline. There is a lightness of touch and fluidity of line. I love the way a few strokes can suggest a whole world of costume and character. The lines capture not just the forms but also a sense of movement and a playful energy. It makes me think about other artists who’ve captured the world of the stage, like Degas with his dancers. Perhaps Israels was similarly drawn to the theater, finding in it a space of experimentation and transformation. All artists are in conversation, sharing ways of seeing and feeling. It's not about perfection but about feeling, responding, and letting the work lead you.