Staande man 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Staande man, with pencil on paper. We find ourselves in the Netherlands, looking at a work by an artist who captured the spirit of his time. Israels belonged to a group of Dutch Impressionists who broke away from the traditional art academies and embraced a more informal style, influenced by developments in France. This sketch gives us insight into the working methods of artists at the turn of the 20th century, who were pushing the boundaries of academic training, and searching for ways to represent modern life. What can we learn from this quick sketch about Israels' artistic practice? What does it tell us about the changing role of the artist in society? By consulting the archives of art academies, artists' groups, and exhibition catalogues, we can learn more about the social and institutional context of this work, and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.