Brief aan Philip Zilcken 1892

Pieter de Josselin de Jong penned this letter to Philip Zilcken, using ink on paper. The choice of materials here speaks volumes. In an era rapidly embracing industrialization, the act of handwriting, especially in correspondence, holds particular resonance. Paper, once a precious commodity meticulously crafted, had become more accessible due to advancements in manufacturing. Yet, the deliberate act of using pen and ink preserves a sense of intimacy, a direct connection between sender and receiver. The labor involved is clear - the steady hand of the artist, carefully forming each word, letter by letter. Consider the texture of the paper, its weight in hand, and the flow of the ink as it imprints the artist's thoughts. The very act of writing itself becomes a performative gesture, a testament to the value placed on personal communication amidst the clamor of a rapidly changing world. In appreciating this artifact, we recognize how the seemingly simple act of writing embodies a complex interplay of material, process, and social context, transcending any rigid boundary between art and craft.