Hoofd en schouders van een slapende (dode?) man 1878 - 1938

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this drawing of a man’s head and shoulders with graphite on paper, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. The subtle gradations of light and shadow, carefully rendered, give it a sculptural quality. Holst has coaxed the graphite to do a lot of work here, pushing it to its tonal limit. The choice of paper is also significant, its warm tone lending a somber atmosphere to the piece. The drawing is an intimate study. Was it sketched from life or after death, and how does this influence our reading of the work? The artist’s hand lingers over the contours of the face, particularly the ear. It's a reminder that even the simplest materials, when handled with care and precision, can evoke profound emotion. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to appreciate the beauty and expressiveness inherent in traditional materials. It challenges us to consider the value of craftsmanship and the role of the artist’s hand in shaping our understanding of the world.