Brief aan L. van den Broeke 1868 - 1928

This is a handwritten letter by Jan Toorop. The strokes of ink against the light paper create a stark contrast, immediately drawing your eye to the calligraphic dance across the page. The density of the writing varies, creating a rhythm of dark and light that animates the surface. Toorop’s letter, beyond its literal content, is a study in form and structure. The lines of text create a series of horizontal bands. This evokes the structured, grid-like compositions favored by modernists. Yet, the handwritten nature introduces a personal, almost chaotic element, disrupting any rigid interpretation. It's as though Toorop is using language not just to communicate, but to explore the very act of writing as a form of expression. Notice how the letter challenges fixed meanings. The act of writing becomes a visual representation of thought, a testament to the fluidity of communication. It is an intimate, personal exploration of form that invites ongoing re-interpretation.