60 Isaac Israels (1865-1934)
The twin sisters Helena (1895-1964) and Geertuida Wehmann (1895-1975), also known as Ippy and Gertie, have been an important source of inspiration to Isaac Israels. Between 1916 and 1918, they worked as models for the Dutch fashion house Hirsch & Cie., appearing frequently in fashion publications associated with the fashion house. During this period, Isaac Israels painted the sisters several times, often together. A defining and sought-after aspect of Israels’ oeuvre is his engagement with the world of fashion and the modern woman. Around the turn of the century, painter Thérèse Schwartze (1851-1918) introduced him to the leading fashion house Hirsch & Cie., located on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam. Because of this introduction by Schwartze, Israels gained exclusive insight behind the scenes of the world of haute couture, by all means not evident for a male artist at the time. This privilege was later extended to Parisian fashion houses, including Paquin and Drecoll. Here, he depicted the full spectrum of couture life: from seamstresses at work to elegantly dressed clients, transforming scenes of dress fittings and private interiors into compelling compositions. This fascination aligns with the broader Impressionist interest in modernity, where clothing, gesture, and environment together convey the spirit of modern times. The present work exemplifies this interest in fashion and models. The composition, a juxtaposition of a seated and a standing female figure, demonstrates Israels’ ability to combine portraiture with a sense of spontaneity. While the seated model in the foreground waits patiently for the artist to finish, her twin sister appears to walk into the composition and could be leaving at any moment. The contrast between the standing and sitting twin sisters, also visible in Israels’ use of colour, the richly coloured dress stands out against the sober black dress. In this composition, Israels demonstrates his painting skills. The faces and expressions of the models are handled with absolute care and finesse. Yet, with loose and vibrant brushstrokes in the purple-coloured dress, Israels shows his masterly Impressionist approach. His fascination with Ippy and Gertie is evident in several large portraits. These exquisite portraits feature as highlights in Israels’ oeuvre. Comparable compositions, also depicting the elegantly dressed twin sisters, appeared at auction at Christie’s, Amsterdam, in November 2012 (lot 52). Another painting depicting the sisters was sold at Christie’s, Amsterdam, in October 2012 (lot 52). The present lot exemplifies Israels’ enduring fascination with modern femininity and the fashions of his time.
Ippy and Gertie at Hirsch, Amsterdam signed ‘Isaac/Israels’ (lower right) oil on canvas, 127x78 cm
€100,000 - €150,000
Exhibited: -The Hague, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, ‘Isaac Israels in de mode’, 7 December 2002- 9 March 2003 (label attached to the stretcher). Literature: -Hans te Nijenhuis and Ietse Meij, ‘Isaac Israels: mannequins en mode’, Wijk en Aalburg 2002, ill. p. 153. Provenance: -With Kunsthandel Gebr. Douwes, Amsterdam, exhibited in November 1965, no. 34.
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Auction, Christie’s, Amsterdam, 20 November 2012, lot 52.
Auction, Christie’s, Amsterdam, 7 October 2014, lot 52.
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