Groep figuren, mogelijk deels vissend 1886 - 1903

Isaac Israels created this sketch of figures, possibly fishing, using pencil on paper. The study is of interest for what it tells us about the social structures of its time. Israels was working at a time when there was increasing social realism in art. Artists started to focus on depicting everyday life and ordinary people. The subject of fishermen connects to that movement, but it is important to note that he does not romanticize them, instead portraying them without idealization. This kind of approach challenged the traditional art establishment. The Rijksmuseum has many resources to help understand the context in which this sketch was created. It's important to remember that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context, it is open to historical interpretation.