Blad met biografische gegevens over Hugo de Groot 19th century

This sheet detailing biographical data about Hugo de Groot was likely made with ink on paper sometime in the 17th century. The act of writing itself becomes central to the function and meaning of this work. The anonymous maker employed the traditions of fine penmanship, using a quill or fine brush to carefully render the letterforms. Each stroke is carefully controlled to convey the information with elegance and clarity. The quality of the writing speaks to the importance of literacy and record-keeping in Dutch society, and the labor involved reflects a pre-industrial era where information was carefully transcribed by hand. This contrasts sharply with our contemporary means of digital production. Yet it is clear that the act of writing served not only as a means of communication but also as a form of craft, with its own aesthetic values and social significance. The materials, making, and context here challenge our assumptions about the relationship between information, labor, and art.