Ex libris van S.A. Krijn 1925

Curator: Before us we have an ex libris, or bookplate, designed by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst in 1925. It's a print on paper, currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. It was created for S.A. Krijn. Editor: It's small, contained... like a secret. My eye keeps going back to that horse – or is it a sea horse? It looks strong, yet fantastical, a bit melancholic maybe. Curator: Holst, an influential figure in Dutch symbolism, frequently explored themes of spirituality and social justice. This particular work allows us to examine the role of bookplates in reflecting the owner’s identity, interests, and perhaps, their aspirations. The ‘ex libris’ tradition is, in many ways, about curating and displaying one's intellectual self. Editor: Exactly! It's like a little emblem declaring, "This is ME – or at least, who I aspire to be when I curl up with a book." I wonder who S.A. Krijn was, what stories were held within the books this little print guarded? The monochrome scheme makes it timeless, but it whispers of old traditions. Curator: Considering Holst's broader artistic engagement with socialist ideals, this bookplate design perhaps alludes to a particular kind of knowledge or even a rebellious intellect nurtured through literature. Editor: The design does feel subversive, as you say; that figure riding the horse with such focused intent, the elaborate text... it suggests someone not easily swayed. Curator: Right, this image invites us to reflect on how individual identity can be constructed and asserted through symbolic representation and ownership. Editor: I'm walking away with a sense of both intimacy and intrigue. It is just a tiny design but speaks volumes about larger stories. Curator: Indeed. Hopefully this small object will prompt larger thoughts on the intricate connections between art, identity, and history.