Briefkaart aan Ab Bogtman before 1938

Curator: This is a fascinating piece from the Rijksmuseum collection, "Briefkaart aan Ab Bogtman" – that's "Postcard to Ab Bogtman," dating from before 1938. It is an ink drawing with photography on paper by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst. Editor: Immediately, I am struck by the elegant, looping script. It possesses an almost rhythmic quality, flowing across the aged surface of the paper. It has a lovely warmth in tonality due to the aged surface tone and density. Curator: Indeed. Holst, a prominent figure in Dutch symbolism and socialism, often utilized his artistic skills for social commentary. His design aesthetic grew during this period of national struggle. This postcard exemplifies that engagement through a personal message, most likely in support of a loved one's work and cause. Editor: The calligraphic hand adds a dimension beyond mere utility, it transcends casual communication through these looping forms and almost uniform weight of the linework. One almost feels compelled to discern the artist's mood simply by viewing this element of the postcard. Curator: Considering its socio-political role provides additional insight. As a member of a socialist society that strongly felt the changing and stressful political situations leading up to the second world war, this style reflects the need to offer messages in carefully constructed yet somewhat cryptic styles in the interest of the security of his community. Editor: That context greatly informs our understanding! I originally focused on the letterform as isolated shapes and their careful arrangement within the compositional space but with the context of secure or coded message exchange I recognize there is more to understand within. The almost musical nature is no longer an accidental output of good style but potentially deliberate communication design. Curator: Precisely, its beauty lies not just in its visual aesthetics but in its intersection with the historical undercurrents. As a result, this tiny token contains a fascinating social narrative for its period. Editor: Absolutely. Initially the linework presented almost pure emotion, yet contextualized by political action and necessity that linework also creates boundaries and structures and restrictions of expression which only enhances the beauty here.