Interieur met moeder en kind 1835 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this etching, "Interior with Mother and Child," which can be found at the Rijksmuseum. Israëls, deeply affected by the poverty he witnessed in Jewish communities and fishing villages, aimed to depict the somber realities of life for the working class. The image shows a mother and child in their modest home, emphasizing the quiet dignity of their daily existence. The domestic setting is a central theme, reflecting the restricted sphere to which women were often confined. The dark, cramped space can be read as a metaphor for the limited opportunities available to women, especially those of lower socioeconomic status. Israëls once said, "Art should move you, make you feel." His focus on emotion is evident in the tender portrayal of the mother and child. By capturing these intimate moments, Israëls challenged the traditional art world which often overlooked the lives of ordinary people. He elevates the everyday experiences of women and laborers.