Isaac Israels’ Europe

Isaac Israels

Art, literature and travel shaped the life of Isaac Israels (1865–1934). In 1877, at the age of thirteen, he embarked on his first train journey through Europe with his parents and sister. This fuelled the wanderlust of the naturally restless Israels. His love for and astonishing knowledge of European literature led him to learn several languages. He stayed only briefly in most places, including Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Denmark and Sweden. In Paris (1904–1913) and London (1913–1915), he rented accommodation with a studio and stayed for longer periods.

The First World War

Even during the First World War, he continued to travel around with a laissez-passer, a temporary travel document. Much to the astonishment of his friends, who wondered whether he even realised there was a war on. Travelling remained a passion until his death and was reflected in his art.