“Eau forte XII,” created by Pierre Soulages in 1957, is an exceptional aquatint representing the Tachisme art movement. This abstract work of art is a notable example of Soulages’ mastery in exploring texture and form through the aquatint medium.
The artwork primarily features a composition of bold, block-like structures rendered in dark, earthy tones. With an emphasis on contrast and texture, the piece showcases the artist’s characteristic use of heavy, gestural marks against a lighter background. The interplay of light and dark, along with the suggestive voids within the forms, creates a dynamic visual tension. The rugged edges and the uneven distribution of tone evoke a sense of raw spontaneity, aligning with the Tachisme movement’s inclination towards the informal and the immediate.