Drie ruiters (waaronder Nietzsche) 1970

Aat Verhoog made this etching, "Three Riders (including Nietzsche)," at an unknown date using an unknown medium. The three riders are depicted in a flat plane, with one wearing modern clothing, another wearing a suit of armor, and the first rider resembling the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The image begs the question, what kind of journey is this? Verhoog was a Dutch artist who often worked in series and was fascinated with man's relationship to nature. His work, especially his etchings, makes a connection between the old masters and contemporary art. This image, in particular, resonates with the art historical trope of the equestrian portrait which has often been used to elevate the status of political leaders. The inclusion of Nietzsche suggests that the image is an effort to re-evaluate existing structures of power. As an art historian, I would want to research the cultural significance of equestrian portraiture and Nietzche's work at the time this etching was made. By engaging with the institutional and social history we can further interpret the meaning behind this image.