Kop van een man van opzij 1896

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst created this lithograph, "Kop van een man van opzij" or "Head of a Man from the Side," in 1894. Immediately striking is the figure's somber quality, achieved through a stark monochromatic palette and dense, almost chaotic linework. The composition is weighted towards the subject's head, with the gaze directed downwards, lending a sense of introspection. Holst masterfully employs the lithographic medium to explore texture and form. Notice how the rough, broken lines create a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the rendering of the face and hair. The background, a mix of abstract marks and seemingly unfinished areas, contributes to the overall mood of unease and uncertainty. The contrast between the detailed face and the ambiguous background suggests a mindscape, an internal world brought to the surface through expressive marks. Ultimately, this work destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing less on likeness and more on conveying an emotional state. The density of the graphic marks invites viewers to contemplate the inner life of the subject, making it a powerful statement on the human condition.