Brief aan Louis Pierre Verwée before 1843

This letter was penned by Louis Robbe to Louis Pierre Verwée, though its exact date remains unknown. It's a simple piece of paper, yet it speaks volumes about artistic collaboration in the 19th century. The letter itself, with its handwritten script, reflects a personal, almost craft-like mode of communication. The mention of lithographs provides a window into the artistic practices of the time. Lithography, as a printmaking technique, allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, playing a crucial role in the dissemination of art and ideas. Robbe's request for "terre de sienne non Brulée" – raw sienna pigment – underscores the artist’s attention to materiality. Pigments like these were the raw ingredients of painting, sourced and processed to achieve specific colors and effects. Ultimately, this letter serves as a reminder that behind every artwork lies a network of relationships, materials, and processes. It challenges us to look beyond the finished product and consider the social and material conditions that made its creation possible.