Notities c. 1879

This page of handwritten notes was created by Theo Hanrath in 1877. It gives us insight into the personal thoughts and daily activities of an artist working in the late 19th century, likely in the Netherlands or Belgium, given the locations mentioned. Looking at the page, we can see a mix of observations, reminders, and perhaps even sketches or ideas for future artworks. The act of keeping such a notebook was a common practice among artists and intellectuals of the time, reflecting the importance of recording and reflecting on their experiences and ideas. What's fascinating here is that, while the notes themselves might seem mundane at first glance, they offer a valuable glimpse into the artist's inner world. By studying such documents, and cross-referencing with other archival material, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shaped artistic production. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.