Man op een trap, zittend 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this pencil drawing, Man on a staircase, sitting, in the Netherlands. It's an evocative sketch, and it speaks to a new kind of subject matter that interested artists at this time: the everyday life of ordinary people. We see a man caught in a moment of repose on a staircase. Israels was part of a generation that wanted to break away from the formal constraints of academic painting. The late 19th century saw the rise of Realism and Impressionism. Artists moved away from historical or mythological scenes. Instead, they chose to depict modern urban life. Israels, like other artists of his time, found beauty and interest in the mundane. He captured fleeting moments of daily existence. The sketch might also tell us about the increasing visibility of working-class individuals in art and society. To fully appreciate this work, consider the social context. Investigate the changing class structures and artistic movements of the Netherlands during Israels' time. With the help of historical research, we can learn more about the artist's intentions. Also, we can find out how this drawing challenges or reflects the norms of its time.