Annotaties 1893 - 1897

This is a page of Annotaties, or annotations, by Willem Witsen. It presents us with a study in contrasts—the austerity of the page set against the lively dance of handwritten numbers. The artist uses the writing as a compositional element, where the arrangement of numerals and notations across the page creates a unique visual rhythm. The neutrality of the paper's surface is critical here, directing our attention to the gestural quality of the script. The numbers, seemingly arbitrary, invite us to consider the inherent structure within apparent randomness. Witsen’s focus isn't merely on conveying information, but on the formal interplay between symbol and space. The structure is reminiscent of a musical score, where each number signifies a note in an otherwise silent composition. The annotations challenge conventional notions of what constitutes art, blurring the lines between documentation, design, and personal expression.