Twee vrouwenhoofden 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels created this drawing entitled 'Two Women's Heads', now held in the Rijksmuseum. Israels, a Dutch painter of Jewish origin, lived in a time of evolving social norms, which influenced his artistic focus. Here, Israels sketches two women, capturing their likeness with what appears to be the simple strokes of a graphite pencil. During this period, the depiction of women in art often oscillated between traditional ideals and modern realities. Note the subtlety in how Israels portrays these women, avoiding idealization and allowing for a more authentic representation of their individual identities. Israels' artistic choices reflect a departure from conventional portrayals, offering instead a glimpse into the lives and experiences of women beyond societal expectations. This approach challenges us to consider the diverse and often overlooked stories of women during this transformative era.