Brief van ds. Hooyman aan Jan Brandes Possibly 1784

This letter was written by Johannes Hooyman in 1784 using paper and ink. These materials, though common, tell a story of privilege and access to literacy in the 18th century. The letter's appearance is deeply influenced by its materiality and the process of its creation. The fluid strokes of ink, applied with a quill, reveal the writer's hand and the rhythm of their thoughts. The texture of the paper, though unseen, would have provided a tactile experience, influencing the flow and absorption of the ink. The very act of handwriting, a skilled tradition, imbues the letter with a sense of intimacy and personal connection, a stark contrast to our contemporary modes of digital communication. But paper production, like any industry, also has a darker side, with its own history of labour and environmental impact. This letter, in its very existence, hints at the social and economic structures that enabled its creation. The focus on materials, making, and context help reveal these elements, challenging any separation of fine art, craft, and the broader human experience.