Brief aan Adriaan van der Willigen Possibly 1818

This is a letter written by Jacob Smies to Adriaan van der Willigen, though we don't know the exact date of its creation. Consider the materiality of this artwork: it is made with paper, ink, and the careful hand of the artist. Think about the time and labor that went into producing this handwritten letter. Before the advent of typewriters and computers, writing was a skilled craft. The quality of the paper, the consistency of the ink, and the elegant penmanship all speak to the value placed on written communication. The social context of this letter is also significant. It provides a glimpse into the personal and professional relationships of artists and scholars during that era. The act of writing itself was a social practice, reflecting the importance of correspondence in maintaining connections and exchanging ideas. By examining the materials, processes, and social context of this artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and values of the past, challenging the traditional distinctions between art, craft, and everyday life.