Ontwerp van een schrijfvoorbeeld: Keepe my wordes (...) 1605

This is a writing sample made by Jan van de Velde I, sometime before 1623. It's ink on paper, a simple enough combination, but the artistry lies entirely in the application. Notice how the forms emerge entirely from the controlled movement of the hand, wrist and arm. The thin and thick strokes are achieved not by varying pressure, but by subtly changing the angle of the pen's nib, creating a play of light and shadow within each letter. The skill involved in this kind of penmanship was highly valued. It spoke to discipline, patience, and the mastery of a craft. In a world where handwriting was a primary form of communication, even for the noble and wealthy, this wasn't just art – it was a demonstration of one's ability to participate in the social and political life of the time. This beautiful drawing reminds us that even the simplest materials can become powerful tools of expression when combined with skill, knowledge, and a deep understanding of their potential.