Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1922 - 1925

Jeanne Erlich created this letter to Philip Zilcken in Versailles, on the 16th of May. There’s something so intimate about seeing an artist’s handwriting, isn’t there? The way she carefully forms each letter tells me so much about her attention to detail, her dedication to her craft, and her desire to communicate clearly. I love how the ink bleeds slightly into the paper, creating this delicate, almost blurred effect, especially where she dots the ‘i’s. It reminds me that even in the most controlled forms of expression, like writing, there’s always room for chance and imperfection. It is so similar to the way I let the paint drip and run on my own canvases. This letter reminds me of the work of Cy Twombly, whose scribbled, chaotic lines manage to convey such raw emotion and vulnerability. Both artists embrace the messy, imperfect aspects of mark-making, showing us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. This letter invites us to slow down, pay attention to the small details, and appreciate the beauty of human connection.