Twee zittende vrouwelijke naakten c. 1892 - 1900

Isaac Israels made this drawing of two seated nudes with charcoal on paper. Israels belonged to the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture fleeting moments and everyday scenes. This drawing appears to be a study of the human form. In academic art training of the time, nude drawing was seen as essential for mastering the fundamentals of representing the human body. Israels likely produced this sketch as part of his artistic education or preparation for a larger composition. The drawing seems experimental in nature, with its unconventional and dynamic poses. The figures are depicted with loose lines and shading. Israels was influenced by the Hague School and French Impressionism, which emphasized the importance of capturing light and atmosphere. Art historians can consult sources, such as academic records and artists' letters, to understand the specific institutional contexts and social factors that influenced Israels' artistic development. This kind of research helps us understand the role of art within broader society.