Kop van een oude man, van opzij 1905

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this lead pencil drawing of an old man's head in 1905. In the Netherlands at the turn of the century, there was a resurgence of interest in the common man, particularly those whose faces reflected a life of labor and hardship. Holst's choice to depict the man in profile allows for a focus on the contours of his face: the strong nose, the deep-set eye, and the lines etched into his skin. These details convey a sense of character and lived experience, elevating the man from anonymous subject to individual of importance. Holst was known for his socialist leanings, and the sketch may be interpreted as a sympathetic portrayal of the working class. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition and display of this drawing speaks to the evolving role of art institutions in recognizing and valuing the lives of all members of society. Further study of Holst's political affiliations and the cultural climate of the Netherlands at this time would provide even greater insight into the meaning of this artwork.