Brief aan Willem Bogtman c. 1920 - 1938

This letter to Willem Bogtman was written by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, though the exact date is unknown. It is made simply, with ink on paper, ordinary materials for everyday communication. The letter is written in Dutch and appears to be a personal communication. The strokes of the pen create a deeply personal impression. The immediacy of handwriting, the direct transfer of thought to paper, makes the letter seem intimate. It's just ink, but the pressure of the pen creates subtle variations in the line weight, giving the script a rhythm and texture. Holst’s choice of stationery, the color and texture of the paper, and the ink used, all subtly contribute to the tone of the letter. Though seemingly simple, this letter speaks volumes about the connections between people, and the care taken in the act of communication. It reminds us that even the most humble materials can carry profound meaning. It invites us to consider the value of handwritten correspondence in an age of digital communication.