Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1857

This is a letter to Christiaan Kramm, written by Christiaan Cornelis Kannemans in 1867. At first glance, the composition of the sheet is dominated by the artist's handwriting. The formal structure here relies on the arrangement of lines—the horizontal lines of the text blocks and the dynamic, cursive strokes of each word. The negative space around these lines is as important as the marks themselves. This creates a visual rhythm, a play between density and emptiness. The materiality of the paper, its texture and slight discoloration, serves as a ground against which the writing performs. The handwriting, as a form, becomes a signifier of identity and intent, imbued with personal and cultural meaning. Kannemans’ handwriting is not merely a means of communication but an expressive form in itself. The aesthetic experience is about the interaction of form and meaning. The letter creates a discourse between the writer and recipient, highlighting the subjective and communicative potential of the medium.