Artikel over Jozef Israëls after 1890

This is an anonymous article about Jozef Israëls, preserved in the Rijksmuseum, but its date of creation is unknown. It speaks to the cultural and institutional dynamics within the art world of its time. The article discusses the perceived lack of substance in contemporary literature compared to the artistic achievements of Israëls and the Maris brothers. It critiques the literary scene post-1850, suggesting a decline in quality and originality. The author references influential figures like Beets and his "Camera Obscura" as examples of genuine Dutch artistic expression. It yearns for a revival of such authentic genius, contrasting it with what’s seen as derivative French decadence. To fully understand the article's perspective, one would need to delve into the literary and artistic debates of the period. Researching the reception of Jozef Israëls' work and the prevailing literary trends would offer a richer understanding of the cultural context in which this article was written. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.