Bandontwerp voor een boek gepubliceerd door dr. P. Kieft 1884 - 1952

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries made this book design on paper at an unknown date. The design is all about the dance between order and fluidity, I feel. Looking at all of the lettering, you see the artist is clearly vibing with the traditions of calligraphy but pushing at the edges. I can imagine him thinking, "How can I make these letters, like, *breathe*?" See how some of the letters are repeated in a vertical column, like he's testing their rhythm? There's something beautifully methodical, but also playful, in that repetition. The flourishes and ornamentation are very self-conscious. It makes you wonder what the relationship between De Vries and the author, Dr. Kieft, was like! It's like they're having a silent conversation across time. It is a reminder that art and design is never a solo act; it is always part of a bigger conversation, an exchange of ideas and inspirations that stretch across time.