Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1917

Alphonse Stengelin's letter to Philip Zilcken is a materialization of thought, where ink on paper becomes a structured expression. The dominance of text creates a visual field dense with information, yet elegantly arranged. Each word, formed by careful strokes, contributes to the overall texture of the page. Notice how the lines of script create a rhythm, almost musical in their arrangement. The use of cursive connects each letter, encouraging the eye to flow across the page. Stengelin’s handwriting offers insight into his intellectual processes and aesthetic sensibilities. Semiotically, the handwriting is a system of signs, revealing the personality of the sender. Consider how this letter, beyond its textual content, embodies the act of communication. The paper becomes a space where ideas are meticulously crafted and shared. In this interplay between form and content, Stengelin’s letter transcends its immediate purpose, becoming a testament to the enduring power of the written word.