Maaiers 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this watercolor, titled "Maaiers," depicting two working-class men, location and date unknown. Israëls was deeply moved by the plight of the poor, his Jewish identity and the experience of discrimination gave him a sensitivity toward the marginalized. Here, the figures of the men are rendered with empathy, yet without romanticization. They carry their scythes after a long day's work, walking with a heavy step. The muted tones and loose brushstrokes emphasize the harsh realities of rural labor. Israëls was part of the Hague School, a movement that sought to represent everyday life with honesty. Israëls said he aimed to capture the "simple, common things" that spoke to universal human experiences. This artwork invites reflection on the dignity of labor, and how societal structures often render certain groups invisible or undervalued. It reminds us to recognize the humanity in every individual, regardless of their social status.