Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1928

Marianne von der Launitz wrote this letter to Philip Zilcken using paper and ink, materials that have carried missives of all kinds for centuries. The creation of the letter involves selecting and preparing the paper, mixing the ink, and carefully forming each letter. It’s not just about the message, but the way it is conveyed. The blue ink and handwriting give us a sense of the author's personality. Each stroke, each curve, reveals her character. Was the ink prepared at home, or bought? What type of pen was used? Each of these decisions would have been intentional, or perhaps simply down to availability. The material aspects of this letter highlight the intimate connection between the writer, the materials, and the recipient. It reminds us that the seemingly simple act of writing can be a deeply personal and meaningful expression of communication. It’s a potent reminder of the way objects carry the weight of human interaction and creativity.