Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1908

This letter to Philip Zilcken was made in Algiers on May 22, 1908 by Eugène Deshayes and it's such a treat to come across such an intimate glimpse into an artist’s life. The looping cursive in deep blue ink, dances across the page. Each stroke, a gesture, weighted with intention. You can feel the rhythm of Deshayes hand as he moves across the surface, the nib of his pen leaving slight traces. The density of the ink varies, pooling in some areas, fading in others, creating a subtle play of light and shadow. The body of the text is an invitation, an arrangement to meet, but in this very casualness, is a window to another time. The letter itself becomes a precious artifact, bearing witness to the ephemeral exchanges that make up our lives. It's a reminder that art is not just about grand statements, but also about the small, quiet moments that connect us. Like Agnes Martin’s delicate drawings, this piece suggests how simplicity can be a vessel for deep emotion.