Meisje met schapen in weide met bomen 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this pencil drawing titled 'Girl with sheep in meadow with trees', dimensions 285 by 201 mm, sometime between 1824 and 1911, and it's now housed in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, it depicts a tranquil scene: a young girl tending sheep in a verdant meadow. But consider the context of its creation. Israëls, a Dutch Jewish painter, came of age during a period of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands. The art world had its institutions - academies, salons, museums - and Israëls was aware of them. How could he make his way? Israëls aligned himself with the Hague School, a group of artists who turned away from grand historical painting and instead focused on realistic depictions of everyday life, often featuring the working class. In this drawing, the figure of the girl and her labor serve as a commentary on rural life and the dignity of the common person. Understanding this work requires delving into the social history of the Netherlands. Researching economic conditions, agricultural practices, and the art market of the 19th century are key to unlocking its deeper meanings.