Isaac Israels (1865-1934), A lady punting on Serpentine Lake in London, oil on canvas, 92x61 cm, signed `Isaac Israels` (lower right), Isaac Israels (1865-1934) moved to London in the spring of 1913 and rented out a studio at 6, Fitzroy Street which he kept until 1920. In this period – and as in Paris where he had resided for nine years – Israels painted the bustling city life: figures strolling through Hyde Park, horse riders down Rotten Row, the crowded streets of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street as well as young ladies posing in boats along the riverbank of which the present lot is a fine example. Here, Israels depicts an elegant woman sailing a boat on the Serpentine Lake. The Serpentine also known as the Serpentine River is a recreational lake in Hyde Park and was created in 1730 at the request of Queen Caroline. After his Parisian stay, the Amsterdam Impressionist went in search of new and dynamic subjects in London, but most importantly, his fascination with light and colour remained. The model’s dark green dress, her blue ribbon, and her red hair contrast with the gray hues of the river. Israels has depicted his model - relaxed yet focused - in the centre of the painting. The Serpentine bridge visible in the background and the standing model contribute to a perfectly symmetrical composition. With his typical broad, impressionistic brushstrokes, Israels has painted a vibrant impression of an afternoon along the Serpentine River and invites the viewer to embark on a pleasant ride.