Copulerend stel 1966

Aat Verhoog created this etching, “Copulerend stel”, using metal, mordant, and ink. The incised lines create the image we see, with the artist using a sharp tool to draw directly into a metal plate, or through a coating that protects the plate from acid. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves. Ink fills these lines and is then transferred to paper under pressure. Here, Verhoog exploits this linear quality to create a sense of movement. See how the figures aren’t presented as static forms. Instead, the print captures the dynamism of bodies in motion, even the act of love. The bare minimum of lines are used to create a sense of depth and volume, but also leave the image suggestive. This approach is tied to wider social issues. Etching allowed artists to reproduce images efficiently, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It democratized art, making it more accessible to a broader audience. The material and process are essential to understanding Verhoog’s artistic vision and its place in the wider world.