Zittende vrouw 1875 - 1934

'Zittende Vrouw', or 'Seated Woman', is a pencil drawing by Isaac Israels. Israels was part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which captured fleeting moments of daily life. During his career, he frequently depicted women in various social contexts, from working-class figures to fashionable socialites. This sketch gives us an intimate view of a woman in repose, her posture and dress hinting at the social norms of the time. The quick, expressive lines capture a sense of immediacy, inviting us to consider the woman's story. While Israels’ work often reflected the changing roles of women in society, he walked a fine line between observation and idealization. The sketch invites us to consider the complexities of representing women in a rapidly changing world. It makes us wonder about the untold stories and experiences of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.