Handwerkende jonge vrouw op een stoel 1834 - 1911

This sketch of a young woman at work was made by Jozef Israëls, a Dutch painter associated with the Hague School, sometime in the late 19th century. Israëls was known for his sympathetic depictions of working-class life, and this sketch captures a quiet moment of labor. We see a young woman, head bowed in concentration, her hands engaged in some form of needlework or craft. Israëls came from a Jewish background, and during this period, there was a growing emphasis on realism and social consciousness in art. Notice how the artist uses soft lines to convey a sense of intimacy and empathy. The sketch avoids idealizing the woman, presenting her instead with a sense of dignity and respect. It invites us to reflect on the lives of working women, whose contributions were often overlooked. It captures the emotional and social landscape of the working class.