Born in Groningen, Netherlands, Israëls studied at the Amsterdam Academy and later in Paris under François-Édouard Picot. His early career was marked by historical and romantic subjects, but he eventually shifted his focus toward the realistic depiction of the lives of Dutch fishermen and the rural poor, which became his signature style.

His work is characterized by a somber, atmospheric use of light and shadow, often capturing the melancholic or quiet dignity of his subjects. As a central member of the Hague School, he played a pivotal role in the development of Dutch impressionism and realism, influencing a generation of artists who sought to capture the essence of the Dutch landscape and its people.

Recent institutional interest, such as the 2025 'Blue Dots' exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, continues to reexamine his legacy. The exhibition highlights his work within the context of historical art categorization, ensuring his contributions remain a subject of scholarly and public discourse in contemporary museum programming.