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From the Descriptive Page: ESPECIALLY attracted by the occupations and home-life of the maritime villages of Holland, Josef Israels has devoted himself almost exclusively to the representation of the various phases of that life. As the occupation of the men is peculiarly exposed and perilous, and the profit meagre, it happens that the artist finds many sad subjects for his brush. If he belonged to the "laughing school" of philosophy, he might easily shut his eyes to scenes of sadness and find incidents that would amuse by their rough humor or their spice of adventure, or delight by picturesqueness of effect or pleasing harmony of colors. But he is serious and sympathetic. The trials and sorrows of these lowly, honest people are the things that impress him, and he can but utter his feelings in his work. The fisherman goes forth to his toil upon the deep, and at night his little family await his return. Alas! how often it happens that they vainly wait,-that they see him no more or see him only as he is carried home still and cold: and then another widow and a few more orphans are added to the number of those in that little village who struggle hard and anxiously for the necessities of life. And so the artist gets his subjects. Sometimes it is a shipwreck; then a funeral; or it may be a sick-room scene; or an aged couple who have survived their children and feel their loneliness; or a scene in an orphan asylum; or a gathering of the village poor. But his pictures are not exclusively sad: now and then the monotony of melancholy is broken by a bright episode. The present picture belongs strictly to neither class. At first sight it seems like a peaceful and happy scene. The signs of poverty are unmistakable; yet there is enough for actual needs. The hut is poor, but it affords a shelter and a home. The fare is plain and lacks variety, but on this occasion, at least, there is no stint. The faces of the couple at the table are homely, but thoroughly good, and they wear an expression of grateful contentment. And yet there is reason to question if under this serene exterior sad hearts are not concealed. Observe: the man is old; but the woman is young, and in the crib beside her is a little child. Is she a fisherman's wife? Where then is her husband? Is he simply absent at his fishing, or is he one of the sea's many victims? We cannot tell how this may be. One thing is sure: we have to thank the painter for a picture imbued with sincere and healthy feeling, and which shows impressively how the humblest lives may be dignified by virtue, industry and a contented mind.Josef Israels was born at Amsterdam in 1824. He studied in his native city under Kruseman, and in Paris under Picot. At the Universal Exposition, Paris, in 1867, he received a third-class medal, and at the Exposition of 1878, a first-class medal. He is Chevalier of the Order of Leopold and Officer of the Legion of Honor. PUBLISHED DATE : 1880s OVERALL SIZE approx 11 x 15 1/4 inches Actual print size: 9 3/4 x 6 1/4 ins - PUBLISHER Gebbie & co. CONDITION: There is visible smudges in the borders otherwise in Very Good Condition and Blank on back. Suitable ageing. As scanned. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful detail. The print comes with a descriptive page. FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU PURCHASE: This is a GENUINE ANTIQUE VINTAGE 1880s Print/Map. It is NOT a modern reproduction, ie. a laser scan, photocopy, etc. It is the original from the antique or vintage atlas or book publication. This print was published on the date mentioned, or circa the date mentioned at the top of the page. The print I have for sale, like many antique vintage prints and maps that you see online, originate from an antique vintage book or atlas publication. The publication may not always be known. If you have any questions, emails are welcome. Shipped Unmatted.
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