Ontwerp met geklede en naakte vrouw 1878 - 1938

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst created this sketch, "Ontwerp met geklede en naakte vrouw," likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, during a period of significant social change and artistic exploration in the Netherlands. The work depicts two figures, one clothed and one nude, within a defined architectural space. Holst, deeply involved in the socialist movement, often explored themes of labor, justice, and human dignity in his art. In this context, the contrast between the clothed and nude figures may symbolize societal roles and vulnerabilities. The nude figure could embody a state of exposure or truth, while the clothed figure represents social constructs and power dynamics. Holst's artistic choices reflect a tension between traditional representations and a desire to challenge established norms, evoking a sense of introspection. The drawing prompts us to consider the interplay between our bodies, societal expectations, and the quest for authentic expression.