Kinderen spelend met een scheepje aan het strand 1835 - 1911

Jozef Israëls created this etching, “Children Playing with a Boat on the Beach”, printed on paper. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines that define the sea and sky, creating a serene backdrop for the children. The use of line in this print is particularly striking; Israëls employs a dense network of fine lines to build tone and texture, evoking a sense of atmosphere. The figures are placed asymmetrically, drawing the viewer's eye to the focal point: the small sailboat. This use of asymmetry creates a dynamic tension, reflecting the fleeting nature of childhood. Note how Israëls destabilizes fixed meanings by blending land, sea and sky. The horizon is almost non-existent. The texture of the water is rendered with horizontal lines that are uneven. This functions not just aesthetically but also as a way of challenging our perception of space.