Lezend meisje 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch, titled ‘Lezend Meisje’, which translates to ‘Reading Girl’, with a graphite pencil on paper. Israels belonged to the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, a late 19th-century group which captured fleeting moments of everyday life. Notice how the sketch gives us only a glimpse of a woman, lost in her book. The choice to depict a woman engrossed in reading offers a subtle commentary on the changing roles of women in society, reflecting a shift towards greater intellectual and personal freedom. Israels had a cosmopolitan background, living in different European cities and depicting diverse subjects. His work often focused on working-class women and fashion, portraying them with empathy and respect. This approach aligned with the broader artistic trends that challenged traditional academic art. This sketch invites us to reflect on the private moments of women and the quiet revolution of female literacy and empowerment.