Portrait of Harpje, Aged 15 1895

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this portrait of Harpje, aged 15, using watercolor and graphite. The materials and techniques speak to the artist's graphic style, one that combines fine art traditions with influences from the decorative arts. The detailed graphite work captures Harpje's likeness with delicate precision, while the watercolor adds a soft, ethereal quality to the background and clothing. The flat planes of color and stylized floral patterns behind the subject owe much to the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as Symbolism. Holst’s approach embodies the period's interest in synthesizing the fine and applied arts. Holst was deeply committed to socialism, and viewed art as a vehicle for moral and social reform. His engagement with craft reflects the movement’s emphasis on the value of labor. By uniting portraiture with design elements, Holst blurs the lines between artistic categories, and connects Harpje to a broader social vision.