Landschap, mogelijk duinen 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this landscape, possibly dunes, with a pencil on paper. Israëls was a prominent figure in the Hague School, a movement known for its realistic depictions of Dutch landscapes and everyday life. This sketch is likely preparatory work, reflecting Israëls' deep connection to the Dutch countryside and his interest in capturing its raw beauty. His work often highlighted the lives of ordinary people, particularly those of the working class and the fishermen of the Netherlands. While this sketch does not contain figures, its subject is tied to his broader interest in the social and economic realities of the time. It is part of a larger cultural moment in which artists sought to represent the dignity and struggles of the common person. Consider how Israëls uses subtle shading to evoke a sense of vastness and isolation, reflecting the sometimes harsh realities of rural existence. His choice to depict this landscape connects to themes of national identity, and the relationship between the Dutch people and their land.