Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1900 - 1929

Theo van Hoytema made this letter to Philip Zilcken, probably with ink on paper, at the turn of the 20th century. The handwriting has a certain flow to it; the forms are consistent but ever changing, leaning, almost dancing. Look at the way the words fill the space, not quite straight, but full of intention. The ink varies in tone, revealing the pressure and speed of the hand. Notice how the loops of the letters, like ‘l’ and ‘g’, extend and intertwine, creating a rhythm that pulls you along. It’s a simple document, really, yet it speaks volumes about the artist’s personality and the act of communication itself. It reminds me of Cy Twombly's scribbled paintings, where the gesture and energy of the mark take precedence over legibility. This piece captures a moment in time, a direct connection between two individuals through the materiality of ink and paper. It's a reminder that art exists in the everyday, in the simple act of reaching out to another person.