De koddebeier 1931

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this drawing, "De koddebeier," using graphite and charcoal. The title refers to a type of Dutch police officer, and the image encapsulates the complex relationship between authority and the individual in the Netherlands. Holst, who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lived in a time of significant social and political change, and he was known for his socialist ideals. This portrait might reflect the artist's engagement with social issues and the changing role of law enforcement in society. The officer's downward glance could symbolize a sense of weariness or disillusionment within the system itself. The heavy shading and somewhat somber mood could suggest a critique of the social order. Historical sources from the period, including newspaper articles, police records, and political pamphlets, can shed light on the social dynamics and institutional context. The meaning of this piece, like any historical artifact, is contingent on the social and institutional conditions of its time.