Brief aan 'Betsy', mogelijk Elisabeth Paradijs Possibly 1807 - 1824

This letter was written in 1807 by David-Pierre Giottino Humbert de Superville, using ink on paper. It’s a humble combination of materials, yet it speaks volumes about the social context of its creation. The letter's material presence – the texture of the paper, the flow of the ink – provides an intimate connection to the artist's hand and mind. The tools used, a quill or pen and ink, were common at the time, but mastering them required skill and practice. The labor involved in handwriting such a letter, especially considering the length of time and effort required, highlights the value placed on personal communication in an era before instant messaging. Consider how different the experience is from composing an email today. This act of physically writing also underscores the relationship between the author and the recipient, ‘Betsy’, possibly Elisabeth Paradijs. The letter bridges the gap between craft and personal expression, inviting us to reflect on the social dynamics embedded within its creation.