‘Malancholy’ 1880s - 1890s

Jozef Israëls’ painting, “Malancholy”, is a portrait of a woman rendered in a dark, intimate style. The woman, with her head resting on her hand, gazes downwards with a melancholic expression, conveying a sense of introspection and sadness. The subdued palette and loose brushstrokes lend a sense of realism to the work, typical of Israëls' style. This piece exemplifies the Realist movement that characterized the 19th century and its focus on portraying everyday life and emotions.