Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen Possibly 1878

This is a letter written in Venice on March 4th, 1878, by Silvio Giulio Rotta to Frans Buffa and Sons. Rotta, who was born in Venice, spent much of his career painting scenes of Venetian life, and the Buffa family were well-known art dealers in Amsterdam. In this letter, Rotta responds to an inquiry about his work. He apologizes that he doesn’t have much available at the moment, but he suggests sending three small watercolors to the Buffas for their consideration. The letter offers a personal glimpse into the economic realities faced by artists during this period, as they navigated the art market and sought to establish relationships with dealers like the Buffas. This exchange reminds us that artistic creation is not solely an act of individual expression; it’s also deeply embedded in a network of social and economic relationships that shape its production and circulation. This letter therefore shows us a moment of negotiation and exchange, highlighting the complex interplay between artistic creation, commerce, and personal connection.