Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1891

This letter by Eduard Karsen, seemingly a financial record, is presented on paper marked with a grid. The initial impression is one of meticulousness, yet softened by the handwritten script. This creates an intimate feel, drawing us into Karsen's personal exchange. The letter form allows us to consider how Karsen destabilizes the line between textual communication and visual art. The handwriting, with its unique loops and strokes, functions as both a carrier of information and a visual element in itself. It reminds us that even the most functional texts possess inherent aesthetic qualities. The grid provides a structural order, and the calculations introduce a rhythm of numbers and notations. Ultimately, this letter transcends its practical purpose, inviting reflection on the intersection of communication and art. By attending to such textual forms, we recognize that the boundaries between various forms of expression are not fixed but fluid. The letter's visual and structural elements contribute to a larger discourse about the nature of communication.