Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen Possibly 1878

This is a letter to Frans Buffa en Zonen, penned by Johannes Hubertus Leonardus de Haas in 1878. The writing, with its elegant cursive and dark ink against the pale paper, creates a strong contrast. This visual structure evokes a sense of formality but also intimacy, offering a glimpse into the artist's world. The arrangement of text, neatly aligned yet handwritten, establishes a clear compositional hierarchy. The date and recipient’s name command the top, followed by the body of the letter, each section presenting distinct textual blocks. This form mirrors the structured communication of the era, yet it is also disrupted by the personal touch of handwriting, suggesting the nuances of human interaction. The letter functions as a semiotic system, its words acting as signs referring to artistic transactions and personal engagements. In this context, the formal structure of the letter underscores the complexities of artistic communication. The materiality of the letter – the paper, the ink, the handwriting – all contribute to its meaning. It’s a fragment of history, inviting us to decode its cultural and artistic significance, even today.