Vier schetsen van figuren 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this pencil drawing, titled "Vier schetsen van figuren," meaning "Four sketches of figures," sometime during his career. Israëls was a prominent figure in the Hague School, a Dutch art movement that emphasized realism and the everyday lives of ordinary people. In this sketch, we see a series of rapidly drawn figures, likely studies for a larger work. The figures are rendered with loose lines, capturing their forms and expressions in a quick, spontaneous manner. Israëls was known for his sympathetic portrayals of the working class, particularly fishermen and peasants. In the Netherlands during the late 19th century, there was a growing interest in representing the lives of ordinary people. Artists, writers, and social reformers sought to bring attention to the struggles and hardships faced by the lower classes, challenging the prevailing social norms of the time. By studying the art and social history of the period, including exhibition reviews, biographies, and social surveys, we can gain a deeper understanding of Israëls' artistic choices.