Brief aan Filippo Tessaro Possibly 1891

This letter, sent to Filippo Tessaro by Ludwig Passini in 1891, exemplifies how the act of writing itself can be a form of artistic expression, intrinsically linked to labor and communication. The materials are simple: paper and ink. But look closely at the handwriting; each stroke reveals the hand of the artist, guiding the pen to create elegant, flowing script. This wasn’t a quick email; the embodied effort involved in handwriting a letter speaks volumes about the relationship between the writer and the recipient, emphasizing the intimacy of the communication. This letter is a social object, which speaks to the labor of communication and relationship maintenance. In a time before instant messaging, such a letter would have been a precious, physical link between individuals, carrying not only information but also the very essence of the sender.