Ezelsoor c. 1890 - 1920

This is Isaac Israels’ drawing, ‘Ezelsoor’, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Israels, born in 1865 into a Dutch-Jewish family, navigated the complexities of identity, class, and cultural assimilation in a rapidly changing European society. 'Ezelsoor', which translates to 'donkey's ear' or 'dog-ear', presents a study of a rider on horseback, sketched with a delicate, almost ethereal touch. The work embodies the artist’s fascination with movement and the transient moments of everyday life. Israels was deeply engaged with portraying the lives of ordinary people, often focusing on working-class subjects and marginalized communities. His identity as a Jew in Europe certainly informed his empathetic gaze towards those on the periphery. The emotional resonance of 'Ezelsoor' lies in its fleeting quality, capturing the ephemeral nature of existence and experience. The soft lines and muted tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting us to reflect on the passage of time and the beauty found in fleeting encounters. Through this tender sketch, Israels offers a glimpse into a world where identities intersect and stories unfold, prompting us to consider the human condition.