Studieblad met figuren 1875 - 1934

This is a study sheet with figures, made by Isaac Israels, at an unknown date, with graphite. It's likely this was created during the period when the Hague School was transitioning into what became known as Amsterdam Impressionism, around the 1880s or 90s. At this time, there was a shift from rural landscapes to urban scenes, reflecting the rapid modernization of the Netherlands. Israels was a key figure in capturing the bustling city life, often depicting scenes of leisure and industry. Here, you can see a quick sketch of figures with a landscape element, hastily captured in graphite on a piece of paper with a printed label attached to it. Israels was known for his spontaneous and informal style, a departure from the more formal academic traditions. The loose lines and unfinished quality suggest a focus on capturing the fleeting impressions of modern life. Understanding Israels' work requires looking at the broader socio-economic changes happening in the Netherlands at the time, like the growth of cities and a changing class structure. To delve deeper, one might explore contemporary newspapers, photographs, and exhibition reviews to contextualize Israels' place in the art world and society.