Brief aan Andries Bonger Possibly 1931 - 1939

This letter, penned by Sadie van Praag Marks, was written on Hotel Lutetia stationery in Paris on September 27, 1931. It conveys the sad news of a sudden death to Mr. Andries Bonger. The choice of stationery reveals a certain social milieu. The Hotel Lutetia, still open today, was at that time a luxurious establishment favored by artists, intellectuals, and the Parisian elite. It was a place where reputations were made and trends were set. The act of writing, the careful choice of words, and the relaying of personal news reflect the social conventions of the time. To fully understand this letter, the historian would delve into the biographies of those mentioned, the social networks they inhabited, and the cultural values they held. The significance of this piece lies not only in its content but also in its connection to a specific moment in time and the social rituals it embodies. It shows us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.