Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1884 - 1885

This letter was written in The Hague on May 22, 1884, by Pierre de Witt. It’s a handwritten note on paper, a now-fragile material that has gracefully aged to a creamy hue. The creation of this letter speaks to a slower, more deliberate pace of life. Before emails and instant messages, correspondence was a tactile, thoughtful process. Each stroke of the pen, each carefully formed word, reflects the writer's intention and personality. The ink, likely iron gall, has a depth of color, a testament to its enduring quality. The paper itself, made from processed plant fibers, was a precious commodity, linking this personal message to broader industries of labor and trade. Consider the time and effort involved in writing, sending, and receiving such a letter. It’s a far cry from our digital age, where communication is instantaneous and often fleeting. This letter is a reminder of the value of craftsmanship, the weight of words, and the enduring power of human connection.