n. 819 In principio erat odium

This engraving, with such a singular format, constitutes a small suite of 25 copies printed after the edition from title « La haine » (hatred) on a text by Nicolas Chmelev (Ed. Alma Charta, October 2023). The title « In principio erat

odium » reminds us of the first words of the prologue of the Gospel according to St. John: In principio erat Verbum... but, if in

evangelical text there is a reference to God the Father...et Deus erat Verbum..., the title of the engraving addresses man: hatred is a feeling that belongs to him (such as understanding the human wickedness, given that by its nature, it has no 

limit, and sows horrors in its extreme manifestations and destruction?).

The copper was engraved with the etching technique and the path taken with drypoint. Large diagonals they cross space creating movement. Bristling with spears pointed, the two masses face each other, ready for the fight. Tense muscles and severe expressions express the tension of warriors. The scenography highlights a perspective where the vanishing point is located in the center, in the indefinite void.

The composition recalls the battles of the past but the hatred challenges time (and the hearts of men). The strength of

elements exerts a surreal attraction on us.