Handwerkende vrouw 1834 - 1911

"Handwerkende vrouw" (Working Woman) is a pencil drawing by Dutch artist Jozef Israëls, created between 1834 and 1911. The drawing, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a woman seated and engaged in needlework, her focused expression and delicate hand movements capturing the quiet intensity of domestic labor. Israëls, known for his realistic portrayals of everyday life, often featured working-class individuals in his art, highlighting their dignity and resilience. This intimate study, with its subtle use of shading and lines, exemplifies his ability to capture both the physicality and emotional depth of his subjects.