Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1920

Mariette Richard penned this letter to Philip Zilcken in Paris, using paper and ink, humble yet essential tools of communication. The act of writing itself—the pressure of the nib on the page, the flow of ink, the deliberate formation of each letter—embodies a personal touch lost in our digital age. The lined paper speaks to standardization, a product of industrial manufacturing aimed at efficiency. Yet, within those constraints, Richard’s handwriting asserts individuality. Consider the labor involved, both intellectual and physical, in composing this message. The choice of words, the careful script, all reflect the social context of correspondence and the value placed on personal connection. It reminds us that even mundane materials carry the weight of human effort and intention. It challenges the divide between utilitarian object and artwork, revealing the artistry inherent in everyday life.