Prentbriefkaart aan Andries Bonger before 1925

This is Emile Bernard's handwritten postcard to Andries Bonger. You can see the artist’s hand moving swiftly across the surface, guided by his thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Isn't it amazing how a simple note becomes a portal into the artist's world? I imagine him sitting at his desk, pen in hand, the ink flowing to translate his thoughts into visual form. Each word, each stroke, has a life of its own, shaping the overall texture and feeling of the piece. There is an intimacy to the inscription; the personal nature of the message almost makes you feel as if you are intruding on a private exchange. Bernard's other paintings, with their bold lines and simplified forms, also explore emotional expression, much like the act of sharing a message. The way he applies ink here reminds me of Van Gogh’s letters - or perhaps I’m just making connections, because these artists were so well-connected. It reminds us that we are all in conversation with one another. Art, at its best, embraces openness, inviting us to bring our own experiences and interpretations to the table.