Brief aan jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout (1879-1969) Possibly 1931

Here’s a letter to jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout, created in 1931 by Simon Moulijn. Look closely, the ink is applied with an urgency, almost like a sketch, but the overall effect is surprisingly formal. The paper itself seems to be lined, like something from a notebook. The brown ink and tight cursive create a strange mix of intimacy and distance. See how the artist’s signature at the bottom appears to be lighter and more stylized? It’s as if he’s leaning into the act of self-expression as he signs off. It makes me wonder about his relationship to the recipient. Moulijn's broader body of work often explored themes of landscape and urban life, this letter seems to offer a glimpse into the personal correspondence that underpinned his practice. It's a reminder that art isn't just about the finished product, it's about the connections we make and the conversations we have along the way.