Drie zittende kinderen in een kuil 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls sketched these three seated children in a pit using graphite on paper. The artist applied layers of graphite with varying pressure to create depth and shadow. You’ll notice Israëls’ skillful use of shading which gives the children volume, and brings them to life on the page. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant; it is a readily available, affordable material that allows for quick and expressive mark-making. The sketch shows the appearance of children at leisure. However, in 19th century Netherlands, it was often the case that children from poor backgrounds were expected to perform labor, and contribute to the household economy. The artist's choice of a simple medium reflects the unadorned lives of his subjects, challenging any perceived hierarchy between fine art and the everyday experiences of working-class communities. This sketch reminds us that the most profound stories can be told with the simplest of means.