Marie Hamel in De Opstandelingen van Henriëtte Roland Holst-van der Schalk 1878 - 1938

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst created this pencil drawing, titled "Marie Hamel in De Opstandelingen van Henriëtte Roland Holst-van der Schalk." The composition here is defined by delicate lines that capture Marie Hamel in a contemplative pose. The texture of the pencil on paper adds a tactile quality, enhancing the work's intimate feel. The artist's structural approach to form is evident in the way he reduces Hamel’s features to essential lines and shadows. Holst, influenced by the Symbolist movement, often used art to explore deeper psychological states. This portrait, while simple in its execution, hints at a complex interplay between inner thought and outward appearance. Semiotically, the headscarf may be coded to convey modesty or a sense of introspection. Consider how the subtle tonal variations and the direction of the lines contribute to the overall mood. Holst invites us to consider the silent, internal world of his subject, revealing how much can be communicated with minimal form.