Literature: Hanne Abildgaard: “Astrid Holm & Co”, Øregaard Museum, Hellerup, 2019, ill. full page in colours p. 86, mentioned p. 85.

Presumably exhibited: “Astrid Holm. Udstilling af arbejder 1910–1913”, Den Frie Udstilling, Copenhagen, 1913, cat. no. 50.

In recent years, Astrid Holm has seen a renewed interest and recognition of her work. And rightfully so! This is evident in the present work, which can be considered a major piece from her hand. The nude study was executed in Paris in 1911 and greatly emphasizes Holm's artistic ability. It is during the period from 1910–1915, where she lives in France, on St. Thomas (now part of the U.S Virgin Islands) and in other places, that Holm creates some of her most important works of art. It is also during this period that Holm follows Matisse's work closely and presumably studies and follows his teaching for a period. Her travels have an influence on her artistic expression, and it is clear that she brings inspiration from both Matisse's Fauvism, as well as other contemporary artist colleagues, back home to Denmark. On her journey, Holm makes the acquaintance of the French writer and critic André Salmon. He writes the preface for the catalogue at Holm's separate exhibition at Den Frie (The Free Exhibition) in 1913, where he concludes with the words: "But among the painters who as delegates from all nations participate at the aesthetic congress, which has been held here in Paris for the last twenty years, Astrid Holm is from now on one of the artists that one will notice.” As viewers, we are almost lured into Holm's depiction of the model. Or rather, it is as if the model with her elongated and mannered body almost extends out of the image space, so that it seems as if she breaks out of the surface of the painting. It is interesting to see the model's nonchalant expression and relaxed appearance in a homely environment, where we are exempt from “the male gaze”. The work clarifies how a female gaze on a woman can create a different and special space that differs from many of the other nude studies of the time.