Ridder te paard en naakten before 2009

Aat Verhoog created this print, “Ridder te paard en naakten”, its date is unknown. At first glance, we see a juxtaposition of figures, a knight on horseback and nude figures, set against a simple green and gray backdrop. The image’s power lies in its strange mix of historical and primal elements, which evoke deeper psychological associations. The knight, traditionally a symbol of chivalry and order, is placed alongside nude figures. Consider, for example, the ancient Greek depictions of the human form, a symbol of ideal beauty and naturalness, but here the figures are fragmented and raw. This contrast creates a tension, suggesting a conflict between civilization and primal instinct. Note the figure with a box-like shape obscuring its head. This motif may symbolize repressed desires or hidden aspects of the self, reminding us of the masks we wear to conceal our true nature. Such a recurring symbol invites us to delve into the collective subconscious. This image resonates because it touches upon our innermost conflicts.