Ontwerp van een schrijfvoorbeeld: Viel menschen (...) 1605

This is a writing sample by Jan van de Velde I, made with pen and ink. It is a dance of swirling lines and elegant curves. It presents an aesthetic of abundance that is as much visual as it is textual. Note the interplay between the calligraphic forms and the textual content, where the script seems to float almost independently of its semantic function. The dense arrangement of looping lines creates a visual field that challenges conventional notions of legibility and textual hierarchy. This effect is accentuated by the spiraling flourish at the top left. It functions almost as a vortex, drawing the eye into a complex interplay of form and void. In a broader sense, the work reflects the early modern period's fascination with virtuosity and display. The elaborate script served less as a transparent medium for communication, and more as a demonstration of skill, artistry and status. Ultimately, this piece invites us to consider how the formal qualities of writing can transcend mere communication and operate as a sophisticated form of visual expression.