Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1889

This is a letter from Cornelia van der Hart to Philip Zilcken, written in 1889. Made with paper, pen, and ink, it speaks to a moment when correspondence was a primary mode of communication. The very act of writing – the careful formation of each letter, the pressure of the nib on the page – speaks to the labor involved in communicating. In this instance, the choice of handwriting over typewriting indicates a personalized, intimate connection between the writer and recipient. The letter isn’t just about the information it conveys, but also about the physical act of its creation. The handmade quality also suggests a certain social status, where personal communication wasn't outsourced to printed documents. In our digital age, where communication is instantaneous and often impersonal, this letter prompts us to consider the value of slowing down, engaging with the physical world, and investing in a more tangible form of connection. It challenges us to rethink the relationship between labor, communication, and personal expression.