Twee ontwerpen van schrijfvoorbeelden: de Spaanse letter 1605

These two writing samples were created by Jan van de Velde I in the early 17th century. Each letterform is not just a tool for communication, but a symbol imbued with its own history and cultural significance. Consider the alphabet itself—an ingenious invention inherited from the Phoenicians, refined by the Greeks, and adapted by the Romans, each transformation echoing cultural shifts and societal needs. The way these letters are styled reminds me of illuminated manuscripts, in which each character was lovingly decorated, transforming language into sacred art. The use of calligraphy—the very act of shaping each letter with care and precision—reflects a reverence for knowledge and a dedication to preserving it. This evokes the deeper, collective human desire to capture thoughts and memories and pass them down through the ages. We see how even the simplest forms can become powerful symbols, resonating with meanings far beyond their immediate function.