Huwelijksaankondiging 1961

Anton Heyboer made this intriguing etching, Huwelijksaankondiging, announcing a marriage, sometime in the mid-20th century. The work is composed of four panels, each containing abstract symbols, geometric figures and cryptic text. It appears like a complex map of emotions, relationships, or even a coded message. Heyboer was Dutch and his work often rejected traditional artistic conventions, embracing a raw, almost primal style. Consider the post-war context in which Heyboer was working. There was widespread disillusionment with societal norms. He turned to unconventional forms of expression. His personal life, including multiple marriages, was unconventional. This print may be read as a commentary on the very institution he was engaging with. To truly understand Heyboer, one needs to delve into the archives of his life and times. Only then can the social, cultural, and personal forces that shaped this unique artistic vision become clear.