Vier studies van vrouwen, zittend en lezend 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this drawing of four studies of women, sitting and reading, using pen and brown ink. The women are engaged in the intellectual pursuit of reading, a theme that resonates with the social and cultural transformations of the 19th century. Made in the Netherlands, this sketch provides insight into the evolving role of women in society during a time of increasing literacy and access to education. It hints at the shifting dynamics within the domestic sphere. The act of reading becomes a symbol of empowerment, as women gain access to knowledge and engage in intellectual pursuits previously reserved for men. By examining the artist's body of work, as well as archival materials, we can better understand the changing social landscape and the cultural significance of education and literacy in the 19th century. Israëls' drawing serves as a visual record of these transformations, inviting us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, society, and the evolving role of women in the modern world.