The life of Isaac Israels (1865–1934) is defined by art, literature and travel. In 1877, at the age of 13, he makes his first tour of Europe by train together with his parents and sister. This arouses the wanderlust of the naturally restless Israels. His love for and astonishing knowledge of European literature leads him to learn several languages. In most places, such as Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Denmark and Sweden, he stays only briefly. He rents accommodation with a studio and remains longer in Paris (1904–1913) and London (1913–1915). Even during the First World War, he continues to travel with a laissez-passer, a temporary travel document. This astonishes his friends, who wonder if he realises there is a war on. Travelling remains a passion until his death and is reflected in his art.
Vibrant impressions
Israels records his many impressions in sketchbooks and on paper with great speed and virtuosity. He elaborates these into vibrant impressions on canvas. The topics discussed in the exhibition include Israels’ knowledge of European literature, travelling and migrating through Europe in the first half of the 20th century, and the status of the migrant in that turbulent period, particularly in times of war.
Museum's collection and important loans
Helene Kröller-Müller and her advisor Henk Bremmer admire him for his keen observation and mastery of technique, with which he captures the essence of his chosen subject sketchily and in a short space of time. With 23 paintings and almost 300 drawings, his work is richly represented in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum. In the exhibition, the museum presents a selection of these works together with important loans from other museums and private collections. It includes paintings and a wide variety of works on paper: watercolours, pastels, chalk drawings and many sketchbooks.