Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1891 - 1894

This is a letter to Jan Veth, penned by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst likely in 1897. Look at how Holst employs handwriting itself as a symbolic act. Each stroke, each curve, speaks to the intimate connection between the writer and the recipient. Consider, the act of writing—of physically forming letters with ink—as a ritualistic gesture. Think of the ancient scribes, who believed that the very act of writing could invoke spirits, influence events, or capture the essence of a person or idea. In this light, the handwriting transcends mere communication, becoming a conduit for something deeper. Notice the pressure of the pen. Is it hurried, conveying urgency, or deliberate, suggesting contemplation? Does it remind you of the rhythmic repetition of medieval illuminated manuscripts? The emotional energy embedded in the handwriting is a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. Holst's handwriting is a personal expression, its cyclical progression mirrors the ongoing dialogue of art across time.