Brief aan Filippo Tessaro Possibly 1891

Curator: We’re now looking at a pen and ink drawing titled "Brief aan Filippo Tessaro" attributed to H. Ranger, possibly from 1891. Editor: My first impression is that this feels very personal and immediate—the frantic loops and leans of the handwriting make the note visually striking, almost like a secret code. Curator: Absolutely. Letters, even those seemingly mundane, often function as time capsules, providing direct connections to the thoughts and feelings of a specific moment. The location—Hotel Hamdorff in Laren—provides context. It immediately raises questions about Ranger's circle and interests. Editor: I’m fascinated by the contrast between the formal header of the hotel stationery and the looseness of the handwriting. The line weight is consistent, suggesting a fluid, confident hand, even in its haste. Note, too, how the capital letters are almost exaggerated in their size, especially compared to the close-packed script beneath. Curator: Indeed, and it also appears he is writing to Tessaro to inquire after a priced catalogue of a sale of works by Vincent Van Gogh. Consider the cultural significance! Here is an artist directly engaged with the rising phenomenon of Van Gogh during a pivotal period. He recognizes value, even if unrecognized by many contemporaries. Editor: Van Gogh's name looms large even in written form, transcending language as art does. I find it fascinating, though, that such a small collection of scrawled words can hold so much meaning—a perfect microcosm of how we can use such seemingly informal details to unearth stories from the past. Curator: Precisely. Even these rapidly-written lines communicate intent, artistic awareness, and connection to a broader, burgeoning cultural narrative. This little letter connects Ranger to both personal relationships and a transformative shift in art history. Editor: So, in a way, through simple materials like ink and paper, this drawing provides a glimpse into how history takes form. Curator: A telling look indeed at both art history and how our lives intertwine within it.