Schets van een zittend vissersmeisje (doorgestreept) 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls sketched this image of a sitting fisher girl in graphite. The work, titled "Schets van een zittend vissersmeisje (doorgestreept)", is particularly interesting, as it gives us insight into the fishing industry and the life of women in the 19th century. Israëls was known for his sympathetic portrayal of the working class. He often depicted fishermen and their families, capturing their daily struggles and quiet dignity. Israëls' commitment to Realism places the figure of the fisher girl in stark contrast to idealized images. It acknowledges the labor and resilience of women, while asking the viewer to see the individual stories of those living on the margins of society. The seemingly simple sketch speaks volumes about the changing social landscape of the 19th century and the shifting representation of women within it. This sketch invites us to consider the artist's process, and the stories of those who often remain unseen.