Brief aan August Allebé Possibly 1911 - 1917

Editor: Here we have “Brief aan August Allebé,” possibly from 1911-1917, by jonkheer Barthold Willem Floris van Riemsdijk. It's ink on paper, featuring elegant script. It has such an intriguing, almost secretive feel, like a coded message from a bygone era. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: Oh, it whispers, doesn’t it? The allure of handwritten notes lies in their intimate connection to the author, the way their personality bleeds through the ink. Look at the flourishes, the confident loops. This isn’t just about conveying information, it’s a performance, a dance between writer and recipient. Makes you wonder, what was the nature of this rendezvous? And why the emphasis on attire—"Costuum, gekleede jas met zwarte das en geen hand"? Peculiar detail, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Very peculiar! Is it a kind of... password, almost? What about the artistic merit of just handwriting? I never really thought of it as art before. Curator: Precisely! We often overlook the artistry inherent in handwriting. Before mass printing, calligraphy was a highly respected craft. The choice of script, the pressure applied, the spacing... each element contributes to the overall aesthetic. This piece straddles the line between functional communication and deliberate artistic expression. Plus, Van Riemsdijk... imagine the stories those hands could tell. It's almost tantalizing, isn’t it? What did catch your eyes first, may I ask? Editor: I guess, the phrase "en geen hand", that detail gives a peculiar twist. Thank you, that gives me a new appreciation for handwriting and the way a seemingly simple note can be a work of art. Curator: My pleasure! It reminds us to slow down, observe the nuances, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday. It all lies within, and we've got it now, don’t we?