Brief aan Christiaan Immerzeel 1847 - 1849

This undated letter was written by Jacobus Sörensen, and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the visual field is dominated by lines of script across a rectangular page. The lines create a sense of uniformity, yet each character is distinct, contributing to a complex texture. Sörensen's penmanship, the pressure and rhythm, all form an intricate visual pattern. This is not merely text; it's an interplay of positive and negative space, strokes varying in thickness and direction. The act of writing transforms into an artistic gesture. The letter could be seen as a form of semiotic encoding. Each word is a sign, but the visual presentation—the slant, the loops—adds another layer of meaning. It's a personal touch, a unique identifier that transcends the literal content of the message. The composition reflects the writer's intent, forming both a practical communication and an aesthetic expression.