Roland Holst, Richard – Boer bij een hooischelf (1889), 1889 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a solitary figure positioned within a rural landscape dominated by a large hayrick. The individual, dressed in simple work attire – a light shirt and dark trousers – appears to be walking away from the viewer, his gaze directed towards an indeterminate point beyond the frames edge. A cap obscures much of his face, contributing to a sense of anonymity or detachment.
The artist employed a muted palette, primarily utilizing earth tones – greens, browns, and grays – which lends the scene a somber, almost melancholic atmosphere. The brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the foliage and the hayrick itself. These areas are built up with thick impasto, creating textural variation and suggesting an abundance of organic growth. Light filters through the trees, dappling the ground and illuminating portions of the figure’s clothing, but overall illumination remains subdued.
The placement of the hayrick is significant; it occupies a substantial portion of the right side of the canvas, acting as a visual anchor and creating a sense of enclosure around the walking man. The compositions asymmetry contributes to an uneasy balance, preventing the scene from feeling entirely static or predictable.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of rural labor, the painting evokes themes of solitude and introspection. The figure’s posture and direction suggest a journey, perhaps one marked by contemplation or resignation. The anonymity of the individual invites speculation about his circumstances and motivations. The hayrick, representing the fruits of agricultural labor, could be interpreted as symbolizing both sustenance and toil.
There is an underlying sense of quietude; the absence of other human figures or animals amplifies the feeling of isolation. The scene feels suspended in time, hinting at a cyclical existence tied to the rhythms of nature.