Gedicht(en) uit collectie August Allebé 1848 - 1927

Curator: This work, titled "Gedicht(en) uit collectie August Allebé," dates from 1848 to 1927, and we're fortunate to have it here at the Rijksmuseum. It is a drawing made with ink on paper, part of the Allebé collection. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how intimate it feels. It's not a grand pronouncement, but something whispered, a personal note, the kind of thing you find tucked away in an old book. The looping calligraphy creates an intriguing sense of movement and visual poetry. Curator: Yes, calligraphy as an art form carries significant weight. In this piece, the artistic merit lies not only in the content but also in the presentation of Allebé's handwriting. It's a direct link to the artist’s hand, and also reveals a historical emphasis on handwriting. Editor: Precisely! And because of that physical trace, I imagine Allebé bent over it, maybe candlelight flickering. Each stroke, a little decision made in the moment. The unevenness actually makes it more appealing – it's like hearing someone's voice crack with emotion. The visible backing paper feels like a personal glimpse into their intimate workspace. Curator: Viewing it in context of its time, it appears during a period of shifting social values. Examining the artwork closely suggests more personal rather than necessarily official content— it acts as a private meditation captured on paper. The materiality itself gives context to the role that artworks served within specific social circles. Editor: You know, you’re spot-on! The looseness here resists the grand narratives that dominated a lot of 19th-century art, don’t you think? Curator: Indeed. I think the resistance toward overt proclamations allows this piece to feel fresh and deeply resonant for us today. Editor: It makes one think how much richer the stories behind grand historical epochs always are... if you have enough magnifying glasses. Well, thanks for making that real for me today. Curator: You’ve brought a sense of visceral connection to the piece and given us ways to see it through very different eyes, which is what I always hope for!