Brief aan Willem Bogtman Possibly 1943 - 1949

This letter to Willem Bogtman, written in B. Heide in 1943 by Henriëtte Roland Holst-van der Schalk, is like a painting made with ink. I imagine the artist's hand moving across the page, each stroke building up to form words, thoughts, and feelings. The letter is filled with questions of wellbeing and subtle observations of everyday life. I wonder what it was like for Henriëtte to write this letter during that time. What thoughts were swirling around in her mind as she formed each word? How did the act of writing offer her a sense of connection and communication in uncertain times? The texture of the paper, the flow of the ink, and the personal touch of handwriting – all these material aspects shape our experience of the message. Each stroke feels like a gesture, a way of communicating not just information, but emotion and intention. It is a part of an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity and connection.