Kwitantie voor Aernout van Beeftingh Possibly 1788 - 1789

Curator: The work we’re looking at now is "Kwitantie voor Aernout van Beeftingh," attributed to Dirk Langendijk and likely created between 1788 and 1789. It’s a drawing rendered in ink, and you can find it here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Well, first impression? It’s giving me a very controlled chaos. A single sheet crammed with frantic writing—elegant, yet so urgent, almost spilling off the edge. Curator: Right, "Kwitantie" translates to receipt or voucher. So, it’s literally a receipt for a certain Aernout van Beeftingh. It records a payment made for what seems to be some kind of military expenditure. You can see how the themes of history-painting and calligraphic style blend beautifully here. Editor: It’s a window into a financial transaction, but so much more. The materials themselves speak volumes about production, labour, and social context. Ink and paper: ubiquitous, relatively cheap. Someone penned this; likely with speed, given how quickly they seem to move from one idea to the next. Look closely – its fascinating seeing how different letter shapes give an understanding to this individual artist’s method. Curator: Indeed. Langendijk, though mostly known for larger history paintings and military scenes, perfectly captures not just facts, but also offers tiny hints towards his reflection on Dutch realism.. It isn't only what is on the voucher. but that there even IS a voucher like this to behold! Editor: Absolutely. These seemingly mundane items open a portal to the lives and the economies of the 18th century, highlighting both labor and record keeping through art. It almost feels transgressive for what the original object would entail Curator: So while the drawing seems simple enough on the surface, it encapsulates layers of Dutch history, economics and material culture through ink and calligraphy! Editor: Yes, and it is through understanding material history such as this, as well as examining items meant for functionality we realize that everything becomes art. And art can even exist without anyone realizing what purpose it serves.