Artwork
Worn Out
Worn Out is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Jozef Israëls. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Jozef Israëls’ 1850 watercolour presents a modest interior scene in muted tones. An elderly figure reclines on a simple bed while a woman, positioned near a window, attends to mending work. A cat rests on the sill, and the artist’s signature is visible on the lower edge, confirming authorship.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a moment of domestic routine, emphasizing the quiet resilience of an aging couple. The woman’s careful stitching and the man’s repose suggest themes of care, interdependence, and the passage of time within a humble household.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, soft brushstrokes, the watercolour relies on a restrained palette of earth‑tones and faded blues. The delicate handling of light creates a subdued atmosphere, while the fluid application conveys the texture of fabrics and the gentle presence of the cat.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850, the work bears Israëls’ signature, confirming its authenticity. It entered public collections in the early twentieth century and has been documented in museum inventories as an example of the artist’s early interest in genre scenes of everyday life.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jozef Israëls (Dutch pronunciation:; 27 January 1824 – 12 August 1911) was a Dutch painter.
