The son of the cultivated and sophisticated painter Jozef Israels, Isaac Israels developed an interest in literature, travel and painting as a child. Between 1878 and 1880 he studied at the academy in The Hague. His special talent was obvious from an early age. In 1881, when he was 16, he painted a picture which was purchased even before it was finished by the artist and collector Hendrik Willem Mesdag.

Apart from one or two extensive travels, from 1886 Israels lived in Amsterdam. In that year he registered at the Amsterdam Academy of Art to complete his schooling. However, he only stayed for the one year as there was not much more they could teach him. Israels often spent the summer mont...