Schetsboek met 22 bladen c. 1855 - 1859

This is a sketchbook with 22 pages made by Jozef Israëls, a Dutch painter associated with the Hague School, whose members emphasized realism. Sketchbooks like this provide insight into the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The late 19th century was a time of growing artistic freedom and the rise of impressionism in France. Artists increasingly focused on depicting everyday life and personal experiences. Israëls, influenced by the Barbizon school, turned to the lives of fishermen and rural laborers for inspiration. His work often reflects the hardships and struggles of the working class in the Netherlands. The sketches within this book, though not on display, offer a glimpse into Israëls' artistic process and his engagement with social issues. To understand Israëls better, we can consult historical records, letters, and critical reviews from that time. By examining the social and institutional context in which this sketchbook was created, we gain a richer appreciation of its significance.