Figuren aan een tafel bij een haard c. 1855 - 1859

Jozef Israëls made this sketch with graphite on paper. The immediacy of the medium lends itself to capturing a fleeting moment of domestic intimacy. Israëls was known for depicting the lives of ordinary people, and here we see a scene of figures gathered around a table near a hearth. The artist uses the graphite pencil to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through hatching and shading techniques. These are traditional drawing techniques, but the subjects are very much of everyday life. The texture of the paper and the varying pressure of the pencil create a sense of light and shadow, adding to the emotional impact of the scene. The rawness of the sketch invites us to contemplate the human condition, and the dignity of labor and simplicity. By focusing on the materials and processes used in creating this sketch, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Israëls' artistic vision and his commitment to portraying the beauty and struggles of working-class life.