Man op zijn knieën 1834 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this pencil drawing, "Man on his Knees," to explore themes of sorrow and supplication. Israëls was a leading figure of the Hague School in the Netherlands, a group known for its realist depictions of rural life and the working class. This sketch is no different and it resonates with the social concerns of its time. The Netherlands in the 19th century saw increasing industrialization and urbanization, which led to social inequalities and poverty. The image carries social meaning through empathy for the common man. Israëls was influenced by the French Realist painters such as Courbet and Millet, who sought to depict the lives of ordinary people with honesty and dignity, who themselves challenged the academic conventions of the art world. To fully understand the art of Israëls and his contemporaries, scholars delve into archives, letters, and period publications. By studying the institutional context and social forces in which this drawing was made, we gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning as a reflection on human vulnerability.