Brief aan Lambertus Hardenberg Possibly 1854 - 1856

This letter to Lambertus Hardenberg was written by W.A. van der Drift using iron gall ink on paper. The inherent qualities of these materials influenced its appearance. The ink's fluidity allowed for elegant script, while the paper provided a surface for absorption and permanence. Consider the labor involved: preparing the ink, likely a meticulous process of mixing tannin, iron sulphate, gum arabic, and water, then the skilled hand needed to produce such fine penmanship. The act of letter writing itself also carries cultural significance. Before mass communication, correspondence was a vital mode of connection. Each stroke of the pen represents a conscious effort to maintain relationships. So, when viewing this letter, consider the broader context of its creation: not just the words on the page, but the social practices and material conditions that gave it form. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materiality and making.