Brief aan Andries Bonger Possibly 1898

This is a letter written by Emile Bernard to Andries Bonger. Although we don't have a precise date for its creation, we can be sure it dates from the late 19th or early 20th century, a time when correspondence was a primary means of communication and played a key role in artistic circles. Bernard's letter provides an intimate look into the social networks that sustained artistic innovation during this period. Written in French, the language of the Parisian avant-garde, the letter hints at the personal and professional relationships between artists, dealers, and collectors. Names like Hugo are dropped casually, suggesting a shared world of acquaintances and artistic influences. Understanding this letter requires delving into the biographies of Bernard and Bonger, exploring their roles within the art world. It also requires examining the broader context of the art market, the patronage systems, and the intellectual debates that shaped artistic production at the time. By piecing together such information, we can begin to grasp the full significance of this seemingly simple piece of correspondence.