Staande vrouwen, mogelijk met hond 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch, ‘Standing Women, possibly with dog,’ with pencil on paper. At first glance, this work might seem like a simple preparatory sketch, but it reveals much about the changing role of women in late 19th and early 20th century Netherlands. Israels, associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, often depicted scenes of modern urban life. Here we see two women, one with what appears to be a dog, rendered with quick, light strokes. The sketch reflects a shift in social norms. As women gained more independence, their presence in public spaces increased. Israels captured these everyday moments, elevating them to subjects worthy of artistic attention. His impressionistic style further emphasizes the fleeting nature of modern life and the artist's own subjective experience. Understanding Israels' social context – the rise of the middle class, urbanization, and the burgeoning women's rights movement – enriches our appreciation of this seemingly simple drawing. By consulting historical records, such as photographs, newspapers, and feminist literature, we can gain a more complete picture of the changing social landscape that Israels was documenting.