Vrouw van Richard Roland Holst in bed, naar rechts 1905 - 1906

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst created this pencil drawing, "Vrouw van Richard Roland Holst in bed, naar rechts" which translates to "Wife of Richard Roland Holst in bed, facing right", sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's a tender, intimate portrayal of his wife, lying asleep in bed. During this period, the domestic sphere was often considered the realm of women, and images of women in quiet, private moments were common. However, this drawing does more than simply reflect societal norms; it offers a glimpse into a deeply personal relationship. Holst, through his gentle and sensitive lines, captures a sense of vulnerability and peace. The woman's rest becomes a symbol, perhaps, of the respite and support she offered the artist, or maybe it reflects on the shared intimacy of their lives together. It asks us to consider the emotional labor often unseen, the quiet strength found in domestic partnerships. Through this simple bedroom scene, Holst invites us to reflect on the private, often unacknowledged, aspects of women's lives and their crucial roles within personal relationships.