Wensbrief met trekschuit 1792 - 1847

Hendrik Moolenyzer made this 'Wensbrief met trekschuit', or 'wish letter with tow-boat' with pen and watercolor on paper. What I find fascinating is how Moolenyzer has used the traditionally 'low' medium of paper, together with pen work and washes of watercolor, to create an object that imitates the high-end aesthetic of tapestry design. We see this in the swagged textile at the top of the composition, complete with tassels. And notice how the central oval imitates a laurel wreath, as if woven from the very plant itself. Consider the scenes of leisure here: figures ice-skating, riding horses, or boating on the water. These vignettes were carefully drawn and colored by hand, demonstrating meticulous labor to create a luxurious effect. It's a beautiful reminder that even the humblest materials can become something precious, through the careful application of skill. This piece challenges our assumptions about what constitutes 'art' versus 'craft', and the value we place on different kinds of making.