Ezel c. 1890 - 1920

"Ezel", a pencil sketch created by Dutch artist Isaac Israels sometime between 1890 and 1920, currently resides in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork is a simple yet expressive depiction of a donkey, with a focus on the animal's form and movement. Israels, known for his realistic and often melancholic portrayals, captures the donkey's tired yet stoic posture through loose, gestural lines. This sketch, a study for a larger work, reveals Israels' keen eye for detail and his ability to convey emotion through minimal means.