Twee vrouwen bij een draaiorgel c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this sketch, titled 'Two Women by a Barrel Organ', using graphite on paper. Israels was known for capturing the vibrancy of city life, and this piece offers a glimpse into the social fabric of his time. The sketch portrays two women, likely working-class, drawn to the music of a barrel organ. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, barrel organs were a common source of entertainment in urban areas, providing a fleeting moment of joy for the working class. Israels, who often depicted women in various social contexts, captures the women with empathy, suggesting a shared moment of leisure amidst the demands of their daily lives. The loose, sketch-like quality emphasizes the ephemeral nature of their encounter with the music. The lack of detail invites viewers to imagine the women's stories, their dreams, and struggles, and invites reflection on the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal perceptions.