Op den koraalbodem 1880 - 1946

This is Henri van der Stok’s ‘Op den koraalbodem,’ or ‘On the Coral Bottom’ made with etching. The mark making is incredible. It’s like he’s not just depicting an underwater scene, but also exploring the very process of seeing. There's such a tactile quality to this piece. The artist's hand feels so present. Look at the way he renders the coral: dense, almost vibrating with energy, and how the teeth of the giant open mouthed fish are painstakingly rendered, and the delicate, wavering lines used to depict the surface of the water. I love how the artist contrasts textures, creating a sense of depth and mystery. It reminds me a little of M.C. Escher, in the way he plays with perspective and pattern. But van der Stok brings a certain raw, almost obsessive quality to the work, which elevates it beyond pure technical skill. It's a celebration of the natural world, but also a deep dive into the possibilities of mark making itself.