Brief aan Jac van Looij Possibly 1886 - 1889

This letter was written by August Allebé to Jac van Looij on August 29, 1886. It's made with paper and ink, humble materials readily available in that era. Allebé's choice of material—common writing paper—and his hurried handwriting invite us to consider the social context of artistic correspondence. Here, the material's inherent qualities of ephemerality and everydayness reflect the casual, yet crucial, role of letters in sustaining artistic networks. The act of writing, a skilled tradition in itself, becomes a means of forging connections and exchanging ideas within the art world. It serves as a reminder of the labor and time invested in maintaining these relationships. This letter challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, revealing how acts of correspondence are integral to the artistic process. By recognizing the value of the material, the process, and the context, we gain insight into the nuances of artistic collaboration and intellectual exchange in the late 19th century.