Artwork

Portrait of Mrs. Israëls

Portrait of Mrs. Israëls, by Jozef Israëls, 1875
Portrait of Mrs. Israëls, by Jozef Israëls, 1875

Portrait of Mrs. Israëls is a print by the Impressionist artist Jozef Israëls. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Portrait of Mrs.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Mrs. Israëls is a 1875 print by Jozef Israëls, a prominent figure of the Hague School. The work is a black-and-white sketch capturing the artist's wife in a side profile.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents an intimate, domestic depiction of Mrs. Israëls, with her hair loosely piled and face partially turned away, conveying a sense of everyday life.

Technique & Style

Characterized by scratchy, expressive lines reminiscent of quick pencil strokes, the piece eschews smooth shading for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, imbuing the portrait with a spontaneous, lively quality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1875 by Jozef Israëls, a leading Dutch realist and naturalist painter of the late 19th century, the portrait is part of his oeuvre reflecting the Hague School's aesthetic.

Context

As a product of the Hague School, the portrait aligns with the movement's emphasis on realism and naturalism, offering a personal, familial glimpse within this artistic framework.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this portrait are not highlighted, it contributes to Israëls' reputation as a respected Dutch artist of his time, with the piece now held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jozef Israëls

Artist

Jozef Israëls

Jozef Israëls (Dutch pronunciation: ; 27 January 1824 – 12 August 1911) was a Dutch painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.