Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen Possibly 1876

This letter was written in Vienna on February 15, 1876, by William Unger to Frans Buffa and Sons. A handwritten document, it involves the elemental act of putting ink to paper, a practice fundamental to communication for centuries. Look closely and you'll see the materiality of the letter itself. The paper, likely handmade, with its unique texture and weight, contributes to its overall presence. The ink, rich in pigment, flows from the nib of the pen, each stroke carrying the author’s intent. The very act of writing – the physical exertion, the care taken in forming each letter – imbues the letter with a sense of intimacy. Such correspondence was once a vital part of the art world’s infrastructure, serving as a conduit for the exchange of ideas, commissions, and business transactions. Reflect on the labor, time, and resources poured into creating and sending this letter. It reminds us that art is not just about the finished product, but the many hands and processes involved.