Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1910 - 1913

This letter to Philip Zilcken is rendered in ink on paper; look at how Léonce Bénédite lets the strokes flow and dance across the page. It’s a reminder that artmaking is often a process of letting go and embracing the unpredictable. The materiality of the work is so present, isn't it? The ink bleeds and pools in places, creating a tactile quality. I love the way the dark ink contrasts with the pale paper, creating a sense of depth. Notice how Bénédite’s hand moves across the page, sometimes hurried, sometimes deliberate. There's a particular flourish in the signature—a kind of exuberant mark-making. It’s like a little burst of energy, a final gesture that encapsulates the whole piece. I’m reminded of Cy Twombly’s scribbled paintings, which also celebrate the raw energy of mark-making. Ultimately, this letter invites us to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the endless possibilities of artistic expression.