Brief aan jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout (1879-1969) 1908 - 1934

Editor: This drawing, titled "Brief aan jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout," created between 1908 and 1934 by Sal Meijer, consists of ink on paper and seems almost like a personal ledger or perhaps notes jotted in a sketchbook. It strikes me as quite abstract, given that I cannot discern the specifics of its content without reading Dutch. How do you interpret this work based on its visual elements and composition? Curator: From a formalist perspective, let's consider the interplay between line and space, the density of the script, and the composition itself. Notice how Meijer structures the page with these columns of handwritten words and numerals. The writing almost functions as abstract marks. Do you perceive a visual rhythm in the varying thicknesses and the spacing between the lines? Editor: I do see a pattern now that you mention it! The consistent structure provides a backbone. And while there are dominant elements, they're really interwoven through these lines, kind of hinting at calligraphy or geometric patterns, but then its undone by the human messiness. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the use of red ink highlights particular phrases or serves as a system of notation, guiding the eye. In terms of semiotics, what meanings might emerge from contrasting these fields of cursive script and numerals? Or consider it as structural form, what are its structural properties or meaning? Editor: The red could indicate emphasis, perhaps, as you mentioned... a financial transaction maybe? It's hard to say, but seeing them as individual, constructed, meaningful marks makes me appreciate this a lot more. Thank you for helping to clarify these things about the artwork. Curator: Likewise. The interplay between the formal elements here certainly suggests a system, however personal and potentially indecipherable.