The Sand Bargeman 1887

jozefisraels

figurative

rough brush stroke

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

charcoal art

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

painting painterly

charcoal

watercolor

"The Sand Bargeman," painted in 1887 by Jozef Israëls, captures the daily life of a working-class man in a rural setting. The painting's muted palette and loose brushstrokes are characteristic of Israëls' style, known as the Hague School. The lone figure, bent over as he pushes his sand-laden barge along a canal, is rendered with compassion and empathy, showcasing Israëls' dedication to portraying the lives of ordinary people. This piece is a fine example of Realism and Social Realism in art, highlighting the challenges faced by laborers in the late 19th century.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

⋮

In 1871 Jozef Israëls moved into a modern villa on the Koninginnegracht in The Hague. From his sitting room, he could see the fishermen, sand bargemen and seaside visitors travelling by canal to and from Scheveningen. Here the sand bargeman is transport-ing sand from the levelled dunes to the new districts of The Hague. But he also personifies the difficult journey of human life. This is the central theme of Israëls’ work.