Artwork
Night

Night is a paint painting by Richard Roland Holst. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Night is a 1915 painting by Dutch artist Richard Roland Holst, executed in casein paint and part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a robed, faceless figure in contemplative pose, hands clasped, conveying an atmosphere of quiet reflection and introspection.
Technique & Style
Holst utilized casein paint to achieve the work's somber, muted tones. The style reflects his inclination towards Symbolism, emphasizing mood and suggestion over detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1915, the painting has been held in the Rijksmuseum's collection, with no detailed provenance of ownership changes provided.
Context
Night exemplifies the early 20th-century European art scene's engagement with Symbolist themes, focusing on emotional and psychological depth.
Legacy
While specific influence of *Night* on subsequent artists is not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Holst's Symbolist contributions to Dutch modern art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst (4 December 1868, Amsterdam – 31 December 1938, Bloemendaal) was a Dutch painter, draftsman, lithographer, book cover designer, etcher and writer. Many of his works were in a modified Symbolist style.














