Schetsboek met 42 bladen 1834 - 1911

This sketchbook of 42 pages was made by Jozef Israëls. Israëls, who lived from 1824 to 1911, was a Dutch painter known for his emotionally charged depictions of working-class and rural life. His art often reflects the social realities and human conditions of his time, capturing the hardships and resilience of ordinary people. He once said that "Art is not there to represent the outside world, but to express the inner world." Israëls' Jewish identity deeply influenced his sense of empathy and social justice. His work humanizes those on the margins of society. Consider the historical context: The 19th century was a time of significant social change, with industrialization transforming European society. Israëls responded by focusing on the human cost of these changes. As you reflect on this sketchbook, consider how Israëls used art to voice the experiences and emotions of those often overlooked in history, prompting viewers to connect with their stories.