Blanco handtekeningenblad met krulvormige ornamenten 1919

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries created this Blanco handtekeningenblad with krulvormige ornamenten, or blank signature sheet with curly ornaments, with ink on paper. The paper is smooth but its edges are ruggedly deckled, betraying its handmade origins. The crisp lines and symmetrical embellishments speak to the techniques of drafting. The paper format, awaiting signatures, is a common medium for official documents and certificates. The application of ink, using tools like pens or fine brushes, imbues the work with qualities of precision and control, requiring a high degree of skill and craft. This blend of functional design and decorative artistry reflects a moment when clear divisions between art and craft were breaking down. The paper and ink might seem simple, but their arrangement speaks to the wider social context of documentation and the human impulse to decorate even the most mundane aspects of life. By considering these elements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this kind of artwork.