Zeilschip op het water 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this pencil drawing of a sailing ship on water, sometime between 1844 and 1911. Israëls was a leading figure in the Hague School, a group of Dutch Realist artists who reacted against the romantic idealism of earlier art. Instead, they turned to everyday life, especially the lives of rural laborers. This sketch exemplifies their interest in the working class. Here, Israëls focuses on a humble ship, rather than an idealized vessel. It reflects the growing social consciousness of artists in the Netherlands, who aimed to depict the realities of Dutch life. Art historians consult various resources to better understand the context in which art is made. By looking at exhibition records, personal letters, and the writings of contemporary critics, we can better understand the motivations and influences that shaped the artist's vision.