Artwork
Zittende vrouw, waarschijnlijk Michal
Zittende vrouw, waarschijnlijk Michal is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Jozef Israëls. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1900, *Zittende vrouw, waarschijnlijk Michal* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Jozef Israëls, a prominent member of the Hague School. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies Israëls’ late‑career interest in subdued, contemplative subjects rendered with a post‑Impressionist sensibility.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a seated woman clothed in a dark robe and a white head covering, her hands folded calmly in her lap. Her expression is solemn, suggesting an interior focus rather than narrative action, a hallmark of Israëls’ preference for intimate, reflective moments.
Technique & Style
Israëls employs soft, blended brushwork for the facial features, creating a realistic yet slightly idealised appearance. Thick applications of paint—impasto—appear on the garment, adding tactile contrast against the muted, indistinct background, which recedes to keep attention on the figure.
History & Provenance
Painted at the turn of the twentieth century, the piece reflects Israëls’ mature period after his earlier realist works. It entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display, contributing to the museum’s representation of Dutch post‑Impressionist painting.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jozef Israëls (Dutch pronunciation: ; 27 January 1824 – 12 August 1911) was a Dutch painter.
