Brief aan Philip Zilcken 1890 - 1930

Albert Verwey wrote this letter to Philip Zilcken on lined hotel stationery using ink. Look at the way Verwey lays down his marks; it's clear he's not precious about the process. The ink isn't opaque or bold but rather blends with the paper; the words and lines coming together in a symphony of gray. You can practically feel the nib of the pen gliding across the page, each stroke a direct extension of Verwey's thoughts and feelings. The words lean and curve, each letter holding a unique energy. It's as if the act of writing itself is a form of drawing. The materiality of the letter is just as important as its content; it reminds me of Cy Twombly's paintings, where language and gesture merge into something raw and emotional. It's a reminder that art isn't just about perfect forms or neat compositions, it's about the messy, unpredictable process of bringing something new into the world.