Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1895

This letter, written by Théophile de Bock, presents us with an intimate glimpse into the artist’s thoughts, rendered in ink on paper. The script cascades across the page, a series of elegant, looping lines that collectively form words. These aren't just any words; they're carriers of emotion, structured to convey sympathy and shared sentiment to Philip Zilcken. The letter's form – its handwriting, the spacing, the signature at the bottom – speaks to the conventions of correspondence in the late 19th century. The act of writing itself becomes a performance, a careful construction of meaning through visual as well as textual elements. Look at the flourishes in the signature, for example; they act as a kind of personal brand, a visual stamp of identity. The letter’s formal qualities—the contrast between the dark ink and the light paper, the rhythm of the script, and the overall composition—suggests the artist's care and intention, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns about communication and expression. The letter functions as a semiotic system, communicating through its very structure.