Ontwerp voor raam in het Zuidertransept van de Dom te Utrecht 1878 - 1938

Editor: So, this is *Ontwerp voor raam in het Zuidertransept van de Dom te Utrecht* – or Design for a window in the South Transept of the Utrecht Cathedral. It was designed by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, sometime between 1878 and 1938, and it’s a drawing with pencil and graphite. It looks like the figure’s head is divided into facets, similar to stained glass. What do you see in it? Curator: The composition relies heavily on line. Consider how the artist has delineated each section of the figure's face, creating a network of interconnected shapes. It's reminiscent of cubist portraiture, though without fully abandoning figuration. Notice too, the subtle gradations within each shape. What effect do these gradations create, given that the entire image seems to mimic stained glass? Editor: Well, the gradations add volume, right? And that contrast keeps it from being too flat, which can be an issue in stained glass. Do you think that was the artist’s goal? Curator: Potentially. Observe how the composition extends beyond a simple representation. It presents us with an abstracted, almost architectural construction of a human face. It functions on multiple visual levels simultaneously, both as a preparatory design and an independent work exploring form and light. Consider, if we were to only look at individual panels, how would this alter the portrait? Editor: I guess, without the context of the surrounding panels, each piece would look like a complete abstract study? Like geometric colour-field paintings, almost. That's fascinating! Curator: Indeed. Through its masterful handling of line and tone, this drawing transcends its utilitarian purpose, asserting itself as a sophisticated formal exercise. Editor: I’ll never look at stained-glass designs the same way again. Thinking of them as multifaceted compositions really opens them up. Curator: Precisely, it challenges us to reconsider conventional notions of representation and functionality in art.