Visitekaartje aan Philip Zilcken before 1916

This is Barbara Elisabeth van Houten's calling card to Philip Zilcken, crafted with ink on cardstock. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the elegant script, a dance of thin and thick strokes that fill the upper half of the card. The contrast of the dark ink against the light cardstock creates a stark, immediate visual impact. Consider the semiotics at play here. Beyond its literal message of gratitude, the card operates within a structured system of social exchange. Van Houten uses the formal qualities of handwriting to convey her message. The flourishes and curves of the script are not merely functional; they communicate refinement and attention to detail. The card's structure is also intriguing. The text is deliberately placed, leaving a generous empty space below. This compositional choice subtly reinforces the card's function as a gesture, an acknowledgement that seeks to build a connection. The blank space invites a response, an unspoken dialogue. Ultimately, the artwork offers us a glimpse into a world where communication was carefully mediated through materiality and form. The act of writing and the visual qualities of the script combine to create a message that resonates beyond its literal meaning.