Brief aan August Allebé Possibly 1890 - 1898

This is a letter written by Ferdinand Leenhoff to August Allebé, dated August 18, 1890. It’s made from paper, a widely available material at the time, and inscribed with ink, a traditional medium for correspondence. Consider the materiality of this artwork. Leenhoff would have selected the paper for its texture and absorbency, crucial for receiving the ink. The writing process itself, the careful formation of each letter, speaks to a time when handwriting was a primary form of communication. The letter’s contents, requesting changes to the studio space, offer insight into the artistic process. Leenhoff asks for a backdrop to be removed and replaced with curtains, and for the walls to be painted. These alterations were essential for his work, highlighting how the physical environment shapes artistic creation. Ultimately, this letter reveals the everyday realities of artistic production, reminding us that even the most celebrated works are rooted in practical concerns and material conditions. It invites us to appreciate the labor and decisions that underpin the creative process, challenging any strict divide between art and craft.