The Royal Stock Exchange by Isaac Israëls

Isaac Israëls
1865-1934 | Dutch

The Royal Stock Exchange

Signed "Isaac Israels" (lower right)
Oil on canvas

Isaac Israëls' The Royal Stock Exchange offers a compelling perspective of the preeminent economic institution at the turn of the century. The bustling streets of Cornhill and Threadneedle, filled with London's iconic double-decker buses, converge towards the pinnacle of the renowned building, receding into the bright background. Israëls was known for riding double-decker buses, which allowed him to enjoy the city from an elevated vantage point. The unique point-of-view of The Royal Stock Exchange invites viewers to experience a transient moment as a tourist in the center of the city, above the bustling crowds.

Born in Amsterdam in 1865, Isaac Israëls was a prodigious artist who demonstrated innate talent from a young age, much like his esteemed father, Jozef Israëls, a prominent member of the influential Hague School. Often called the "Amsterdam Impressionist," his association with the renowned Tachtigers, a group of Dutch artists and intellectuals, had a profound impact on his artistic vision. Sharing the belief that form must harmonize with content, the Tachtigers nurtured Israëls' development of a highly evocative and emotive style that perfectly complemented his emotionally charged subjects. While Israëls was identified as an Impressionist during his time, his distinctive technique, reminiscent of the master Paul Cézanne, was characterized by bold painterly brushstrokes, rich color palettes and a meticulous spatial arrangement, setting him apart as a masterful artist of his era.

Early in his career, Israëls exhibited a keen eye for capturing the vibrancy of Amsterdam's streets and cabarets, skillfully portraying the energy and atmosphere of urban life with remarkable artistry. Drawn by the allure of Paris, he eventually made Montmartre his home, immersing himself in the vibrant artistic community alongside luminaries such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. In this dynamic environment, Israëls' mastery of his style emerged, fueled by his deep appreciation for modern city life.

In 1911, Israëls experienced his father's death, which led him to seek solace abroad. Reluctant to return to his homeland, he moved to London in 1913. Inspired by the bustling streets of West End, the lively pedestrians along the Thames and the iconic landmarks of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, as well as ballet students, Israëls found abundant creative inspiration in his new surroundings. Israëls' paintings of London, including this very work, are highly regarded for their energy and spirit. Considered rare gems in his oeuvre, his delightful creations perfectly capture the essence of London's dynamic vitality in the years before the onset of the First World War.

During his lifetime, Israëls regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon and was celebrated for his ability to capture the beauty of everyday life in a way that was both poetic and poignant. His paintings are housed in the collections of prestigious museums worldwide, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Brooklyn Museum. His oeuvre was prominently showcased in the Kunstmuseum Den Haag’s 2008-2009 exhibition Jozef and Isaac Israëls. 

Circa 1913-1914

Canvas: 40" high x 28" wide
Frame: 49" high x 37 3/8" wide x 3" deep

Provenance:
Art Gallery Francois Buffa & Fils, Amsterdam
Private Collection of Dirk Oud, Amsterdam
Private Collection of Eric Ruck (George Idle Chapman, Chapman & Co.), London
Private Collection of David Burn, London, early 1960's
Private Collection, United Kingdom, 2009
Private Collection, The Netherlands
M.S. Rau, New Orleans