Artwork
Study of Sijtje van Bemmel (1880-1963)
Study of Sijtje van Bemmel (1880-1963) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jozef Israëls. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jozef Israëls painted a portrait of Sijtje van Bemmel in 1898, employing oil on canvas. The work belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s late‑career output, situated within the broader currents of Dutch painting at the turn of the century.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Sijtje van Bemmel (1880‑1963), appears in a modest pose, her head turned slightly away from the viewer. She wears a hat trimmed with white blossoms, a high‑collared white coat, and a dark scarf, conveying a restrained, contemplative presence that reflects the quiet dignity of everyday life.
Technique & Style
Israëls applies visible brushwork and a muted brown backdrop, allowing texture to emerge from the paint surface. Subtle chiaroscuro models the figure, creating depth through contrasts of light and shadow, while the overall palette and handling align the piece with the Impressionist‑influenced tendencies of the Hague School.
History & Provenance
Created in 1898, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its effort to document Dutch artistic heritage. The painting has remained in the museum’s collection, where it is displayed as a representative example of Israëls’s portraiture during his mature period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jozef Israëls (Dutch pronunciation: ; 27 January 1824 – 12 August 1911) was a Dutch painter.
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