Stoel van Henriëtte Roland Holst - van der Schalk 18th century

This is a chair that once belonged to Henriëtte Roland Holst - van der Schalk, a prominent Dutch socialist writer and poet. Though the maker of this chair is unknown, it gains significance through its connection to Holst, whose life and work were deeply intertwined with early 20th-century socialist movements. The chair, with its plush, red upholstery, hints at a certain level of comfort. But it’s important to note that Holst dedicated her life to advocating for the working class, and challenging the economic structures that create disparity. As we consider the intersection of personal comfort and political conviction, we can consider how individuals navigate their roles within broader social justice movements. Holst herself once said: “Socialism is not only a matter of the head, but above all a matter of the heart.” This chair offers a focal point to reflect on the intimate relationship between our private lives and our public commitments to social change.