Crème de la Crème: De Luitspeelster by Isaac Israëls

Emily Cavanagh, International Sales Gallerease
Emily Cavanagh
International Sales
15 Articles

Dutch artist Isaac Israëls (1865-1934) created his own distinct style under the tutelage of his father, famed genre painter Jozef Israëls (1824-1911).

Today he is considered one of the most revered artists of his generation, and Gallerease is honoured to display a particularly special work by the artist at Art Breda this year, a masterwork unseen by the public in fifteen years.

 

 De Luitspeelster by Isaac Israels 1916

Isaac Israëls (1865-1934), ‘De Luitspeler', 1916

 

‘De Luitspeler’, a portrait of Guusje van Dongen demonstrates the artist’s soft impressionist style, a divergence from his earlier experimental works of the late 19th century wrought with chaotic brushstrokes and a subdued palette. A strong sense of colour combined with the fluidity of thick paint, specifically in the figure’s dress, dominate the portrait of Guusje van Dongen, wife of Kees van Dongen (1877-1968).

This portrait, painted during the first world war, is one of three works by Israëls depicting Guusje, soon after he was forced to abandon his home in Paris due to the outbreak of war.

It was during his return to The Netherlands that Israëls worked primarily as a portrait painter, obtaining enough financial security to sustain himself as an artist. He had created a name for himself during his stay in France, through his impressionistic cityscapes depicting fashionable ladies, the interiors of Parisian cafés and workshops.

His interest in fashion and class division produced a versatile oeuvre, and continued to blossom despite being uprooted from his primary social circle in Paris. For it had been in Paris that Isaac Israëls befriend artist Kees van Dongen and the Fauves painters, a vivacious group to say the least.

 

Kees van Dongen (1877-1968), 'Portret van Guus tegen een rode achtergrond', 1910.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

 

An early portrait of Guusje painted by Kees van Dongen (1877-1968) reveals a sensuous and slightly garish representation, typical of the bourgeoisie, and is in stark contrast to Israëls more subdued work.

It is in the characteristically unblended colours of the Fauves that one can see their influence on Israëls, for the artists’ application of pigment in ‘De Luitspeler’ - with its sharp splashes of red, green and blue - surround the figure, and add depth to a rather delicate scene. The figure maintains composure as she plays her instrument with confidence and poise. It is easy to imagine the music radiating through her delicate fingers, as Israëls captures the movement of a musician at work. Her Spanish attire contributes to the narrative of the scene and is redolent in other portraits of Guusje van Dongen, by Israëls.

 


Isaac Israëls (1865-1934), ‘Portret van de Guusje van Dongen', 1916,
sold by Sotheby's (Amsterdam) October 2000. 

 

Of the three known portraits of Guusje van Dongen painted by Isaac Israëls, the comparisons between ‘Portret van de Guusje van Dongen’ and ‘De Luitspeler’, completed in the same year, is readily apparent. Compositionally the arrangement of the poised lady is maintained, alongside her instrument of choice, as is the serene milieu. Blue shoes and bold jewellery reappear as Guusjes’ decision to adorn Spanish costume in both works can be attributed to her family’s close relationship with Pablo Picasso.

Indeed the mood is set and the intrigue is inevitable when casting an eye on a work by Isaac Israëls, and ‘De Luitspeler’ is no exception.

For the first time in fifteen years ‘De Luitspeler’ will be on display for public viewing, and is being offered for sale by an established private collector, making it one of the most exciting works offered at Art Breda this year. It is with great enthusiasm that we at Gallerease are able to exhibit this work on behalf of the collector.

Please send any inquiries to info@gallerease.com – or visit us at Art Breda for a closer look.


Written by Emily Cavanagh on 06 May 2017, 10:00 Categoria Highlights from the CollectionTagged Fiera d 'arte, Arte Breda, notizia, Informazioni di base
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