Brief aan August Allebé Possibly 1901 - 1928

This letter was written in 1901 by Jozef Israëls in The Hague, using paper and ink. A seemingly unremarkable combination, yet it is through these humble materials that we gain insight into the artist’s world. Consider the paper itself, likely mass-produced, reflecting the rise of industrialization. The ink, carefully applied with a nib pen, showcases the artistry involved in handwriting, a skill honed through years of practice and education. The letter format suggests a social network sustained through the labor of writing and postal delivery, connecting individuals across distances. The act of writing, the selection of words, and the formation of each stroke all contribute to the meaning conveyed. It invites us to consider the networks of communication that sustained the art world, and the value placed on personal connection in an era of increasing industrialization. By attending to the materials and means of production, we recognize how this simple letter operates within broader social and cultural systems.