Brief aan de secretaris van de Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten in Den Haag Possibly 1841 - 1847

This letter, penned in 1861 by C. D’Aubaride to the secretary of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, is more than just a message; it’s a study in the art of inscription. The materials are simple: paper and ink. Yet, it’s in the application that we find its significance. Look at the quality of the handwriting; each stroke, curve, and flourish reveals the writer's skill and the time invested in crafting the letter. It speaks of a culture where penmanship was not merely a means of communication but a mark of education and social standing. The letter becomes an artifact, embodying both the message and the meticulous labor of its creation. Consider the social context. The act of handwriting itself—with its slow, deliberate pace—contrasts sharply with today's rapid digital communication. This letter invites us to reflect on the value of time, skill, and personal touch in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. It blurs the line between functional document and art object.