Twee op het land werkende vrouwen 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this watercolor painting of two women working in a field. Israëls lived during a time of significant social change, including early feminist movements advocating for women's rights and equality. In this context, his depiction of women engaged in manual labor reflects an interest in representing the working class. But, consider the way the women are presented: they are defined by their labor and exist in a world of toil. One figure is bent over a bucket, seemingly washing produce, while the other is kneeling, her posture communicating a certain submission. The painting does invite a dialogue about the representation of women and labor, and a challenge to think about the gendered division of labor. It is also about the way the artist represents the women and their emotional and physical state. Israëls gives us a glimpse into the lives of working women, inviting us to reflect on their roles, experiences, and contributions to society.