Theodor Holst

Theodor Holst was an artist whose documented activity spanned the years 1827 through 1844. His known output, as preserved in major public institutions, consists of detailed figurative studies and drawings, with ten works represented in collections, including the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The subjects of Holst's work suggest an affinity for literary and dramatic themes popular in the early 19th century. Documented compositions include the dramatic sketch Mephistopheles on a horse, as well as studies derived from the Faust narrative, such as Gretchen in prayer before the Mater Dolorosa. Holst also focused heavily on the human figure through studies like A group of five heads with other studies and complex double-sided sheets featuring figures such as a sleeping girl, a nude youth on horseback, and a cloaked bearded man.

While the total number of surviving works is small, the figural draftsmanship demonstrated in pieces like Man and apparition establishes Holst as a noteworthy artist of his period. Art historians often access Holst’s works, many of which are now in the public domain, for academic research. These historical drawings provide valuable insights into early 19th-century Romantic illustration, and collectors interested in the period can often find high-quality prints derived from institutional records. The inclusion of his drawings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art validates their historical and artistic significance, making these pieces desirable for museum-quality reproduction.