Artwork
Meisje op ezel
Meisje op ezel is an unspecified painting by Isaac Israëls. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum.
About this work
Overview
Isaac Israëls painted *Meisje op ezel* circa 1909. The canvas presents a young woman seated on a donkey beside a strolling man, set on a shoreline with a calm sea and muted sky. The work belongs to the collection of the Kröller‑Müller Museum in the Netherlands.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures an informal, leisurely moment: a girl in a pink jacket and white hat rides a brown donkey, while a man in a brown jacket and cap walks nearby. The tranquil seaside backdrop and gentle waves suggest a scene of everyday relaxation rather than a staged narrative.
Technique & Style
Israëls employs the loose, expressive brushwork associated with Amsterdam Impressionism, using a light, vibrant palette to convey atmosphere. The handling of color and form emphasizes the play of natural light on the figures and the sea, while subtle tonal contrasts give a sense of depth without strict chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
Created around the turn of the twentieth century, the painting entered the collection of the Kröller‑Müller Museum, a major repository of Dutch modern art. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on works by leading figures of the Dutch Impressionist movement.
Context
During the early 1900s, Israëls turned his attention to scenes of modern life, often depicting people in motion or at leisure. *Meisje op ezel* aligns with this interest, illustrating a casual coastal outing that mirrors the broader social shift toward outdoor recreation in the Netherlands.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Isaac Lazarus Israëls (Dutch pronunciation: ; 3 February 1865 – 7 October 1934) was a Dutch painter associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement.
