‘Turning homewards’ 1860 - 1911

Jozef Israëls painted ‘Turning Homewards’ with oils on canvas, likely during the latter half of the 19th century. It portrays a couple walking along a path, presumably returning home from a day's work in the fields. Israëls was a prominent figure in the Hague School, a group of Dutch Realist painters who often depicted scenes of rural life and the working class. In the Netherlands at this time, there was a growing interest in social issues and the lives of ordinary people. Artists like Israëls sought to capture the dignity and hardship of the working class, often portraying them with empathy and respect. This approach challenged the traditional art establishment, which had typically focused on more idealized or historical subjects. By studying the archives of art institutions, exhibition records, and contemporary publications, we can better understand the cultural and institutional context in which ‘Turning Homewards’ was created. Examining these materials helps to understand the role of art in reflecting and commenting on the social structures of its time.