Gesloten linkerhand 1904

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this drawing, ‘Closed Left Hand’ presumably with graphite on paper, sometime around 1904. The image presents a hand, tentatively clasped, emerging from the cuff of a sleeve. Holst, active in the Netherlands, situated himself in the socialist movement, designing posters and pamphlets for the cause. He believed art should serve the people. Considering this drawing, we might ask, what does a closed hand suggest? Is it defensive, guarding against something? Or does it suggest potential, a gathering of strength? Holst, though committed to social progress, took on a decidedly academic role as instructor and director at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. Here, the hand may be nothing more than a study, useful for history painters. To understand this work more fully, we can look to the artist's personal papers, exhibition records, and publications of the era. The meaning of art always depends on such specific historical contexts.