Drie zittende meisjes 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls made this pencil drawing, Three Seated Girls, sometime in the late nineteenth century. It offers a glimpse into the social and cultural context of childhood in the Netherlands during that era. Israëls, associated with the Hague School, often depicted scenes of everyday life, particularly those of the working class. Here, the simple clothing and unadorned setting suggest a focus on the lives of ordinary people. The girls' posture and expressions might hint at the limited opportunities available to them, reflecting broader social inequalities of the time. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role in shaping how we understand this drawing, categorizing it and placing it within a narrative of Dutch art history. To fully appreciate Israëls' work, we can consult historical archives, and studies of Dutch society. In doing so, we are better placed to recognize the drawing’s commentary on the social structures of its time, and its place within the politics of imagery.