Twee gearmde vrouwen, in profiel c. 1886 - 1903

Isaac Israels created this charcoal drawing, “Two Poor Women, in Profile," and it’s currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Israels lived in a time of great social change, marked by the rise of industrialization and urbanization. As a result, he was drawn to capturing scenes of everyday life, often focusing on the working class and marginalized communities. Here, Israels captures the profiles of two women whose faces are obscured by shadow, but their worn clothing tells a story of economic hardship. Israels was interested in depicting the realities of poverty and social inequality. He once said, “I paint what I see.” Yet, his choice to focus on the faces of the women suggests a certain level of empathy, inviting viewers to consider the humanity of those often overlooked by society. Israels challenges conventional representations by depicting subjects who lack the glamour and status typically associated with portraiture. In doing so, he elevates the experiences of ordinary people, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging the lives and struggles of all members of society.