Brief aan Pulchri Studio Possibly 1855

This letter, composed in Amsterdam on December 8, 1855, was penned by Hendrik Abraham Klinkhamer, using paper, quill, and ink. The choice of materials speaks volumes about the period, before the rise of mass-produced stationery. The letter's appearance—the texture of the paper, the color of the ink, the very formation of the letters—is directly shaped by the materials and the writing process. The flow of ink from the quill creates a unique line quality, varying in thickness and darkness based on the pressure applied by Klinkhamer. This act of writing, a skilled tradition in itself, imbues the letter with a sense of intimacy and personal connection, highlighting the labor involved in communication during this era. Considering the social context, the letter provides insight into the art world of the time. The correspondence with Pulchri Studio reveals networks of artistic exchange, patronage, and the bureaucratic side of creative communities. The careful handwriting and formal tone underscore the value placed on these interactions. Ultimately, this letter stands as a testament to the significance of materials and making within broader social and cultural narratives, challenging any separation between the work of art and the world it inhabits.