Brief aan Hendrik Willem Mesdag en Sientje Mesdag-Van Houten en conceptbrief aan anoniem Possibly 1895

This is a letter by August Allebé, written in Amsterdam on October 6, 1895. The letter is addressed to Hendrik Willem Mesdag and Sientje Mesdag-Van Houten. As a director of the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Allebé played an important role in shaping the next generation of Dutch artists. This letter offers a glimpse into the social networks that supported artistic production. Written during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this letter reflects the importance of patronage and personal connections in the art world. The references within the letter demonstrate the social etiquette of artistic correspondence. Allebé expresses his gratitude for a letter he received from the Mesdags, acknowledging their support and generosity. He closes the letter with a sense of high regard. Understanding the historical context of this letter requires further research into the Rijksakademie, the artistic scene in Amsterdam, and the relationship between Allebé and the Mesdags. By examining these social and institutional factors, we can better understand the role of art in Dutch society at the time.