Zittende oude boer 1834 - 1911

Here we see "Zittende oude boer", or "Sitting Old Farmer", an undated pencil drawing by Jozef Israëls. Israëls was a Dutch painter who came of age during a time of significant social change and industrialization. His work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in rural communities and the working class. He was interested in the experiences of those who were often marginalized or overlooked. Here, the farmer sits in quiet contemplation. His sturdy wooden shoes and weathered hands speak to the labor-intensive nature of his work. Israëls was deeply committed to social justice and used his art as a means of advocating for the rights and well-being of the less privileged. His empathetic portrayal of the farmer invites viewers to reflect on the value of hard work, the dignity of labor, and the importance of community in an era of rapid change. The farmer's weary posture elicits a sense of shared humanity.