Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1900 - 1922

This is a letter to Jan Veth, from 1900, by Theo van Hoytema. What strikes me first is the rhythm of the handwriting; the way the forms build up and then fade away, like a tide coming in and out. The marks are dark and certain, but also delicate, creating a sense of intimacy. Notice the way the letters lean and curve, like plants reaching for sunlight. The ink has a slightly faded quality, giving the whole piece a soft, aged feel. It reminds me of Cy Twombly's scribbled lines, but with a more formal, almost botanical, quality. It's a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, in the simple act of putting pen to paper, and how that can connect us across time. The ambiguity of the marks allows for multiple interpretations, inviting us to find our own meaning within its delicate structure.