Figuur met een zak op de rug en een stok 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this sketch of figures with bags on their backs and walking sticks. Israëls lived from 1824 to 1911, a time of great social change and upheaval, witnessing the rise of industrialization and its impact on rural communities. It’s hard to not see these figures as representative of the poor, weighed down by the burdens of daily life, struggling to make ends meet. Their hunched postures and the heavy bags they carry evoke a sense of hardship and resilience. They stand as representations of the working class, emphasizing their dignity amidst difficult conditions. There is a kind of empathy present that seems to honor the silent stories of those who often go unseen. The sketch serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and marginalization. Israëls captures a moment in time, but also invites us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for social justice and human dignity.