Subsequent to his systematic analysis of “visual archetypes" which he carried out in the 1970s and 80s, Schropp has dealt with the reaction of colour and light on deliberately selected surfaces in his works since the 1990s. The glazed cardboard is devoid of all structure and therefore absorbs no paint, but rather reveals even the minutest detail (e.g. pigment, brushstroke) with absolute precision. Conversely, the compact gold base is perceived as paint and contests with the unconstrained application of colour on the surface and in the depth of the work.