Vrouw met een borduurwerk 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls sketched "Woman with Embroidery" using graphite on paper. Israëls lived through a period of immense social change, marked by the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of new class structures. Israëls’ work captured the everyday lives of ordinary people, particularly those from lower social classes, often depicting scenes of labor, family life, and domesticity. During the 19th century, needlework was seen as a virtuous and socially appropriate activity for women of all classes. Israëls sketch emphasizes the emotional and psychological depth of his subjects, depicting the woman in a moment of quiet contemplation. The drawing invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of working-class women and consider the social and cultural forces that shaped their identities and opportunities. It encourages an appreciation for the quiet dignity of everyday life.