Aantekening after 1913

This intriguing note was written by August Allebé, at an unknown date. It is comprised of ink on paper, humble materials put to a specific purpose. The act of handwriting itself is important here. Notice the way the pressure of Allebé’s pen varies, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The script, full of looping ascenders and descenders, conveys a sense of the author's personality, and the material properties of ink and paper facilitate this direct expression. It’s also worth considering the social context: handwriting was once a primary mode of communication and record-keeping, a skill taught and valued across society. It's a tradition with its own techniques, tools, and aesthetic standards, alongside the history of fine arts and crafts. As technologies advance, this kind of personal mark-making seems to fade away, to the point that this type of note is almost a lost art. Paying attention to materials, the process of handwriting, and its wider context helps us fully appreciate this piece.