Brief aan de commissie van de Tentoonstelling van Levende Meesters in Den Haag Possibly 1841 - 1844

This letter, written in 1841 by Petrus van Schendel, employs handwriting, which in itself is a potent symbol, carrying the author's direct expression and intent. In this missive, the carefully formed script serves to convey a request concerning the exhibition of his painting. Handwriting, beyond its literal meaning, becomes a gesture of the artist’s presence, a direct conduit to his thoughts and intentions. Consider how this personal touch contrasts with the cold detachment of the printing press, a technology that was rapidly changing communication at the time. The act of handwriting, with its unique flourishes and imperfections, offers a human connection, much like a painter's brushstroke on canvas. Think, too, of the symbolism inherent in letters themselves. They carry messages across distances, bridging divides and preserving thoughts for future eyes. Just as we now analyze Van Schendel's words, so too will future generations dissect our digital communications, seeking to understand our emotions, intentions, and the spirit of our age. This act of encoding and transmitting information, whether through the flourish of a pen or the tap of a keyboard, speaks to humanity's enduring need to connect, communicate, and leave its mark on the world.