At first impression, the sample does not look like it was written in the 18th century. The writing has no flourishes or elaboration; it is simplified, fast, clear and very modern. There is no neglect in the punctuation and the margin is straight. The sample reveals a good space picture i.e.the space between the lines is quite clear and well organized.

Although Mozart is using a primitive pen, his skill in coordination of it is very effective.His simplication of forms is exceptional. His high intellect, speed and creative drive show an impatience with mediocrity.

Mozart moves with dispatch and alacrity toward the right which represents his future orientation, energy and his goals.

You can see his skill in languages by the ease and fluidity of the section written In Italian.You may notice the blotting on the page through the thickening of some letters. When the nib of the pen is pressed on the page, it releases ink causing the unevenness of the pattern. Despite that each letter has clarity. There is no neglect; each form is precise, detailed and simplified.There are no breaks in the words of the writing which allows for an ease of legibility.

His signature ends with a flourish, a kind of joie de vivre.(Nothing stops me I am going out into the future!) Unlike many artists who have inflated highly embellished signatures Mozart’s signature is concurrent in size with the text, which it complements with clarity and simplification.

Mozart does not like to waste time and is quick to see the essentials of movement, form and space and that corresponds to his musical compositions which rarely needed correction. He is eager to anticipate the next letter. The distances between words is carefully kept; they are like pauses and have a rhythm of their own.

As mentioned earlier the right slant and movement of the letters indicate his reaching out to others. If you look carefully you may see some descending lines, (particularly in the signature and salutation) indicating that despondency was not foreign to him.

Mozart died tragically at the age of thirty five.In addition to his illness. perhaps a victim of his tireless energy, exhaustion and persistence.

Analysis by Arlyn Imberman