Arbeider met brandende fakkel en opgeheven vinger 1898

This 1898 woodcut by Dutch artist Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst (1868-1938) depicts a worker with a burning torch and a raised finger. The worker, clad in simple clothing and holding a staff, stands before a small fire. The dramatic use of light and shadow creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the worker’s message. The artwork, titled “Arbeider met brandende fakkel en opgeheven vinger,” is part of the Rijksmuseum collection. This powerful image is characteristic of Holst’s work which often explored social issues and the plight of the working class.