Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1885

Here's a letter, written in ink on paper by Fernand Khnopff to Philip Zilcken. The material basis of a letter like this is straightforward: paper manufactured in bulk, ink produced industrially, both sold for a profit. Yet, the act of handwriting elevates this example. Khnopff’s script, with its elegant loops and careful formations, speaks to an attention to detail that echoes the refinement of his paintings. Consider how different this is from a typed communication. The handwritten form signals a personal touch, imbuing the message with a sense of intimacy and care. The letter transcends its utilitarian purpose, becoming a testament to the relationship between the two men. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even within systems of mass production, the individual hand can assert itself. Whether it is art or craft is irrelevant: what matters is the human intention evident in the making.