Brief aan Andries Bonger 1893

This is a letter from Emile Bernard to Andries Bonger. It is made with pen and ink on paper. It’s a humble material combination, yet this correspondence touches on the lives of some giants of modernism, including Van Gogh. The letter is written in French, with Bernard discussing his efforts to publish the letters of Van Gogh, and requesting Bonger’s assistance in this project. This was a labor of love – translating, editing, and seeking publication. It involved a network of relationships, the literary marketplace of the time, and the desire to create an artistic legacy. The immediacy of the handwriting and the intimacy of the stationery are in sharp contrast with the grand artistic reputations involved. It reminds us that even the most celebrated figures are brought to us through the work of others, often through simple, direct means. This letter exemplifies how networks of people are involved in artistic production and promotion, expanding our understanding of modern art beyond the singular genius.