Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1911 - 1913

This is a letter to Philip Zilcken, made in 1911 by Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande. What I immediately notice is the gesture of the handwriting. There's a real process here, not just in the words, but in the way the ink lays down. Look at the texture, how the lines vary in thickness, almost like a drypoint etching. The ink pools in certain spots, creating dark accents that give the writing a sculptural quality. The loops and swirls are so deliberate, like each letter is a little drawing, a tiny performance. See how the downward strokes are bold and confident, while the upward ones are lighter, almost hesitant? It's like the artist is breathing life into each word. This letter reminds me a little of Cy Twombly's work. There's something about the seemingly casual, yet deeply considered, mark-making that feels connected. Both artists embrace the beauty of imperfection. They show us that art isn't just about perfect representation, but about capturing a moment, a feeling, a fleeting thought.