Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1917

This letter to Philip Zilcken by mevrouw Joseph Romieu is written in violet ink, which looks like it was dashed off in a hurry, a flurry of thoughts and feelings. I can imagine the artist, pen in hand, leaning over the paper, the words flowing out in a rush of spontaneity. Each stroke is so assured and confident! But when I zoom in I see they also reveal hesitations and second thoughts. The artist has crossed out and overwritten words, adding layers of meaning and complexity to the text, which is reminiscent of Cy Twombly’s calligraphic paintings, which often incorporated words and fragments of text. I can only assume it continues a conversation, a correspondence, a moment in the to and fro of thinking between friends. It's funny how written correspondence feels like such an obsolete form these days, replaced by fleeting texts and emails. I guess Romieu's letter offers a glimpse into a more intimate and contemplative form of communication.