Heuvel naast een akker c. 1885 - 1902

Jozef Israëls made this sketch, "Heuvel naast een akker", using graphite on paper. Israëls was a leading figure of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who, during the late 19th century, turned away from romantic idealism to embrace a more realistic depiction of everyday life. Israëls was interested in capturing the lives of the working class. His Jewish identity, shaped by experiences of discrimination, perhaps informed his deep empathy for those on the margins of society. The emotional depth of Israëls' work invites contemplation on the universal themes of labor, perseverance, and the intimate connection between humanity and the land. This drawing, with its subtle gradations of tone and delicate lines, has a quiet dignity. It reminds us of the uncelebrated lives of those who work the land and invites us to consider the social structures that shape their existence.