Brief aan Ary Johannes Lamme Possibly 1887 - 1889

Johan Eliza de Vrij penned this letter to Ary Johannes Lamme in The Hague on September 7, 1887. The material itself, paper, may seem mundane, yet it has a rich history, evolving from handmade sheets to machine-produced stock. The act of writing with ink also carries significance. Each stroke and curve reflects the writer's hand and intention. De Vrij likely used a quill or pen dipped in ink, a process that demands careful control and skill. In the late 19th century, handwritten letters were vital for communication, connecting people across distances. This letter thus speaks to a slower, more deliberate pace of life, compared to our instant digital exchanges. The labor involved is evident, from the production of the paper and ink to the physical act of writing. By focusing on these material and social aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the artwork as more than just words on paper, but as a tangible artifact imbued with history and human connection.