Brief aan Johannes Immerzeel Possibly 1841 - 1845

This letter, addressed to Johannes Immerzeel, was penned in 1821 by Cornelis Cels, using the everyday materials of paper and ink. Unlike the grand scale of paintings, a letter highlights the intimacy of correspondence. The qualities of paper – its texture, weight, and absorbency – all influence the final appearance. It was made through the simple act of writing, requiring only a quill or pen, ink, and a practiced hand. Such tools were once at the heart of daily life, linking communication to the pace of handwriting. The social significance lies in its directness, allowing personal thoughts and news to be shared. We can imagine Cels carefully forming each word, mindful of the recipient's understanding. The labor involved speaks to the pre-industrial era, before mass communication transformed our daily lives. By considering these elements, we recognize how everyday writing surpasses mere functionality, embodying cultural expression, labor, and human connection.