Slapende vrouw, in een stoel 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this sketch of a sleeping woman in a chair, in the Netherlands, most likely in the late 19th century. Its quick and informal lines give us a peek into the life of working-class women. Israëls was part of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who turned away from the grand history paintings of the past. Instead, they focused on ordinary people and landscapes. Here, the woman's posture and simple clothing suggest a life of hard work and weariness. We can imagine her taking a break from her daily chores, finding a moment of rest in a demanding world. This image reflects the growing interest of artists in the everyday experiences of ordinary people. It invites us to consider the social and economic conditions that shaped the lives of people like this woman. Looking at this drawing, art historians might consider how Israëls's work fits into the broader context of social realism in 19th-century European art. We can research records, literature and even photographs, to better understand the social context of his subjects. This approach reveals how art captured and commented on the changing social landscape.