Conceptbrief aan Wally Moes en aantekeningen 1848 - 1927

This is a concept brief and notes to Wally Moes by August Allebé, created at an unknown date using pen and ink on paper. It may seem a humble object, but it opens up a world of artistic practice. The immediacy of the handwritten text gives us a glimpse into the artist’s thinking. The act of writing itself, the pressure of the pen on the page, the flow of ink – these all contribute to the character of the document. Note how the slant and character of the hand, the crossings-out, and the cramped layout create a sense of urgency and informality. We can imagine Allebé, perhaps in his studio, jotting down ideas and observations, working through his thoughts on paper. This was a crucial part of the artistic process, just as vital as the finished painting. The raw quality of the document reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but also about the labor, the thought, and the communication that goes into its making.