Brief aan Albert Neuhuys (1844-1914) Possibly 1896

This is a letter by Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas, written around 1896, with ink on paper. The dominant visual element is the dense, cursive script that covers almost the entire surface. The visual density and uniformity of the handwriting create a textured field, where individual words blend into a cohesive whole. It establishes a visual rhythm which reflects the linear progression of language and thought, inviting the viewer to discern meaning through careful observation. The varying thickness of the ink strokes adds depth, emphasizing the physicality of the writing process and the artist’s engagement with the material. The letter’s structure challenges fixed notions of communication, suggesting a space where form and content are intertwined. The act of deciphering the text destabilizes the assumed transparency of language, prompting reflection on the nature of representation and interpretation.