Isaac Israels (1865-1934)

In the 1880's and 1890's Isaac was often seen together with his friend the writer Frans Erens (1857-1931), in the harbor cafes around the Zeedijk [sea dike] where the present lot was executed, an area best known as a Chinese immigrant neighbourhood and subsequently, as the renowned red light district of Amsterdam. They frequented the dance halls, bars and cabarets, soaking up the ever-changing vistas of people jostling through the streets and along the canals.