Jongen en meisje op ezeltjes

About this artwork

thickness 7 cm

Art Historical Context

Isaac Israëls' *Jongen en meisje op ezeltjes (Boy and Girl onkeys), created between 1896 and1901, captures a moment of youthful adventure. This Dutch painting depicts two children riding donkeys, evoking the playful seaside outings popular in late 19th-century Netherlands. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, it measures approximately 46 x 54 cm, with a notable thickness of7 cm, suggesting a robust construction perhaps suited for travel or display. Israëls, a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionists, was known for his luminous, spontaneous style influenced by French Impressionism and his father, Joseph Israëls of the Hague School. Working during the fin-de-siècle Belle Époque, he often painted everyday life with vibrant energy, using loose brushwork to convey light and movement. This piece reflects that vivacity, likely sketched en plein air during family holidays. The choice of cardboard as a medium is intriguing—lightweight and affordable, it allowed artists like Israëls to paint quickly outdoors without the weight of canvas or panel. Its substantial depth hints at innovative mounting techniques of the era, preserving the work's intimacy for museum viewers today. A delightful glimpse into Edwardian-era joys!