Brief aan onbekend, mogelijk August Allebé 1865 - 1930

This letter, addressed to August Allebé, was written by Jac van Looij in the late 19th or early 20th century, using pen and ink on paper. A seemingly simple artifact, its material qualities speak volumes. The letter's appearance, with its slightly rough edges and handwritten script, reflects the intimacy of correspondence before mass communication. The ink, likely iron gall, has a permanence that contrasts with today's ephemeral digital messages. Consider the work involved: the preparation of the ink, the careful formation of each letter, the physical act of writing, and the potential for revision and erasure. All this imbues the letter with social significance. It's a direct connection between two individuals, preserving not only their thoughts, but also the labor of their communication. By recognizing the value of materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the letter as more than just a historical document. It becomes a tangible link to a world where communication was a deliberate, crafted act.