Brief aan Pieter Haverkorn van Rijsewijk Possibly 1905

This letter was penned by Johannes Pieter van der Schilden in Rotterdam, back in 1905. Look closely, and you’ll see that it’s made with paper and ink, humble materials of everyday communication at the time. The artistry isn't necessarily in the materials themselves, but in how they're handled. Notice the elegant penmanship; this isn't just about conveying information, but about crafting an image of refinement and education. The consistent stroke-width of each letter conveys the control and skill of the writer. Consider the social context. This letter represents a moment in time when handwriting was a primary means of communication, and the quality of one's script reflected their social standing. There's a direct connection between the writer's labor and the finished product – each word is a testament to hours of practice and adherence to established aesthetic norms. The letter form itself—with its implicit hierarchies and conventions— speaks volumes about the social structures of the time. Examining this artwork, as with all others, brings attention to the labor, skill, and social context embedded within its creation.