Merklap van linnen met een stramien van rode letters en cijfers; gemerkt: GG 1889. c. 1889

This is a sampler made in 1889 by G. Glas, with red thread on linen. Immediately striking is the grid-like structure, organizing letters and numbers in neat rows. The composition relies on repetition and variation within a strict format. Each character is formed from a constellation of tiny crosses, lending a tactile quality to the surface. This materiality contrasts with the immateriality of language, drawing our attention to the physical act of creation. The choice of a grid format isn’t merely functional; it mirrors the rationalizing impulses of the late 19th century, reflecting an ordered worldview. Yet, the slight irregularities and handmade quality introduce a human element that softens the rigidity. The contrast between the systematic layout and the individual imperfections invites us to consider the tension between structure and expression. It's an invitation to question how meaning is constructed through form, and how even the most controlled systems can reveal traces of the human hand.