Portrait Of Mrs. D. Calisch-Hijmans Kröller-Müller 

Isaac Israels made this portrait of Mrs. D. Calisch-Hijmans Kröller-Müller using oil on canvas. The way he worked with the oil paint has a real impact on the image. Israels applied the paint in thick, visible strokes, especially noticeable in the pink of Mrs. Kröller-Müller’s dress. This technique, called impasto, gives a sense of immediacy and texture, making the painting almost three-dimensional. You can practically feel the weight and density of the paint. The brushstrokes create movement and capture the fleeting effects of light, giving the impression of a casual moment, despite the fact that this is a formal portrait. This approach reflects a shift in art history, from carefully blended surfaces to a more direct expression of the artist's hand and the materiality of the paint itself. It moves away from illusionism and towards an appreciation of the medium. So, when you look at this painting, consider not just the subject, but the physical qualities of the paint and the artist's active engagement with it. This emphasizes the importance of material and process in understanding the artwork's meaning and impact.