Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin Possibly 1899

This handwritten letter, titled “Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin” was created in Le Havre, July 20, 1879 by Emile Bernard. Through his elegant handwriting, Bernard reveals the historical and cultural context of the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization, social change, and artistic experimentation. The letter format, in itself, suggests a personal and intimate relationship between the writer and the recipient, which allows us to reflect on his emotional state and the impact of his surroundings on his personal life. Bernard shares feelings of melancholy, revealing a sense of unease with the materialism of Europe, which ‘wounds’ him. His desire to live in Egypt signifies a longing for a place where he can connect with nature. Through this letter, Bernard weaves together themes of identity, displacement, and the search for meaning, inviting us to reflect on our own connections to place, community, and self.