A 1910 costume design by Dutch Symbolist artist Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, featuring the character Menalcas with characteristic graphic typography.

This costume design by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst depicts the character Menalcas, a figure rooted in classical pastoral tradition. Executed in 1910, the work reflects the artist's engagement with theatrical production and his characteristic Symbolist aesthetic. The figure stands in profile, holding a shepherd's crook, dressed in a simple, hooded tunic that suggests a timeless, rustic quality. Roland Holst employs a muted palette, dominated by earthy ochres and a dark, atmospheric background that pushes the figure to the foreground.

The composition is framed by decorative elements, including a banner at the top containing the Dutch inscription 'VROUWEN ZUN ZOO DOM ZOO VOOS', which translates to 'Women are so stupid, so rotten'. This text, alongside the name 'MENALCAS' set within a cartouche, demonstrates the artist's integration of typography and graphic design into his visual narratives. The line work is precise, showing the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which prioritised clarity and structural integrity in design. The wash application provides subtle shading to the fabric of the tunic, while the background remains flat and dark, creating a stark contrast that directs the viewer's attention to the character's posture and attire.

Roland Holst was a significant figure in the Dutch art scene, known for his work in book illustration, mural painting, and design. His approach to this costume study reveals a focus on characterisation through simplified forms and symbolic colour. The work is not merely a functional garment plan but a piece of graphic art that captures the essence of the character within a theatrical context. The inclusion of the artist's initials and the date in the lower right corner confirms its status as a finished study for a specific production. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of early twentieth-century stage design and the broader European Symbolist movement.