The Old Sailor n.d.

Jozef Israëls, a prominent Dutch painter and printmaker, created this etching entitled "The Old Sailor" sometime before his death in 1911. The work, which depicts a sailor in deep contemplation, is held in the permanent collection of The Art Institute of Chicago. The artist's characteristic focus on the lives of the working class is evident in the subject matter. The depiction of the sailor, hunched over with a pipe in his mouth, portrays a sense of loneliness and weariness, echoing Israëls' interest in realism and social commentary. The expressive lines of the etching create a sense of depth and texture, revealing the artist's masterful technique.