Overlijdensbericht aan Philip Zilcken after 1902

This is a printed death announcement for Philip Zilcken, made by an anonymous artist sometime in the past. What strikes me first is the delicate dance of the hand in the script, which creates such a beautiful, flowing form. It's a reminder that even something as formal and somber as a death announcement can be a work of art, alive with the character of the hand. Looking closely, I see how the ink sits on the paper, some lines darker and thicker than others. The layout has an interesting rhythm with its varying line lengths, creating a kind of visual music. This piece reminds me a little of the work of Cy Twombly, who was also obsessed with handwritten forms, and the relationship between writing and drawing. And like a Twombly, this piece invites us to slow down, to look closely, and to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. It reminds us that art is not just about grand gestures, but also about the small, intimate moments that make up a life.