Buste van Richard Hol (1825-1904), componist 1896

This is Arend Willem Maurits Odé’s marble bust of Richard Hol, the composer, made sometime between 1865 and 1904. In the 19th century, the creation of commemorative busts was reserved for men of considerable social standing, and the choice of marble as a medium underscored this status. Born in 1825, Hol would have experienced a period of great change in The Netherlands, which moved from kingdom to constitutional monarchy, becoming increasingly industrialized. Hol became a leading figure in Dutch musical life, at a time of growing nationalism and the professionalization of musical institutions. What does it mean to memorialize Hol in this way? Odé's bust is an object that reinforces traditional narratives of male achievement. But let’s consider the emotional register of this work. The bust encapsulates a complex sense of civic pride, interwoven with the personal story of a man who dedicated his life to music.