DOI Heft:
No. 224 (November 1911)
DOI Artikel:Halton, Ernest G.: Josef Israëls: the leader of the modern dutch school
DOI Seite / Zitierlink:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.21155#0114
Josef Israels
but the handling in any fine and genuine work by the famous Shipwrecked Mariner (opposite) was
him is inscrutable. The choicest pictures by this exhibited at the great International Exhibition
master are painted in a truly mysterious way, held in London in 1862. This large and impres-
simply by the nervous vigour of an untaught hand ; sive work (now in the National Gallery, London)
with heavy sweeping shadows and thick patches of gave some indication of the lines on which his art
paint, which stand out in a wonderful mixture of was really developing, and proved to be the fore-
sharp relief and dim confused distance ; with broad runner of a series of canvases portraying the stern
outlines and incisive emphasis." realities of the life of the humble Dutch peasant
Here we have a clear statement of facts which and fisherman. Thenceforward the " joy of life "
any unbiased student of Israels will find it difficult seldom brightened his canvases, though towards
to refute. In spite of the limitations for which his the end of his career the subjects he selected
lack of sound training was mostly responsible, often became less sad and harrowing,
violating principles which most artists hold sacred, It has been the custom in some quarters to refer
selecting as his motifs subjects which, under to Israels as " the Dutch Millet"; though apart
ordinary circumstances, would prove a bar to from the fact that both masters found their chief
popularity, Israels, by his own peculiar methods, inspiration in the humble life of their country,
became the acknowledged leader of his national there is very little justification for this appellation,
school, and won fame far beyond his own country. Their technique and treatment of subject are in no
To his second, or what has been called his way comparable, while the heroic methods and
transition period belong most of those pictures of masterly draughtsmanship of the Frenchman have
fisher-folk, children playing by the sea, and young no counterpart in the works of Israels. Moreover
girls seated on the dunes knitting, which doubtless they approached their subjects from different
brought him many admirers. But his first great standpoints. Born of peasant parents Millet's
success outside his own country was attained when sympathies were ever with his own people. He
"rough weather"
92
FROM THE Oil. PAINTING BY JOSEF ISRAELS
( By Permission of Messrs. Scholtens and Son)
but the handling in any fine and genuine work by the famous Shipwrecked Mariner (opposite) was
him is inscrutable. The choicest pictures by this exhibited at the great International Exhibition
master are painted in a truly mysterious way, held in London in 1862. This large and impres-
simply by the nervous vigour of an untaught hand ; sive work (now in the National Gallery, London)
with heavy sweeping shadows and thick patches of gave some indication of the lines on which his art
paint, which stand out in a wonderful mixture of was really developing, and proved to be the fore-
sharp relief and dim confused distance ; with broad runner of a series of canvases portraying the stern
outlines and incisive emphasis." realities of the life of the humble Dutch peasant
Here we have a clear statement of facts which and fisherman. Thenceforward the " joy of life "
any unbiased student of Israels will find it difficult seldom brightened his canvases, though towards
to refute. In spite of the limitations for which his the end of his career the subjects he selected
lack of sound training was mostly responsible, often became less sad and harrowing,
violating principles which most artists hold sacred, It has been the custom in some quarters to refer
selecting as his motifs subjects which, under to Israels as " the Dutch Millet"; though apart
ordinary circumstances, would prove a bar to from the fact that both masters found their chief
popularity, Israels, by his own peculiar methods, inspiration in the humble life of their country,
became the acknowledged leader of his national there is very little justification for this appellation,
school, and won fame far beyond his own country. Their technique and treatment of subject are in no
To his second, or what has been called his way comparable, while the heroic methods and
transition period belong most of those pictures of masterly draughtsmanship of the Frenchman have
fisher-folk, children playing by the sea, and young no counterpart in the works of Israels. Moreover
girls seated on the dunes knitting, which doubtless they approached their subjects from different
brought him many admirers. But his first great standpoints. Born of peasant parents Millet's
success outside his own country was attained when sympathies were ever with his own people. He
"rough weather"
92
FROM THE Oil. PAINTING BY JOSEF ISRAELS
( By Permission of Messrs. Scholtens and Son)