Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen Possibly 1877

Willem Roelofs penned this letter to Frans Buffa and Sons in Brussels on March 9th, likely in the mid-19th century. This document provides a unique glimpse into the art world's commercial side, revealing the intricate dance between artists, dealers, and patrons. In the letter, Roelofs discusses sending studies to J.D. Kooren of Chemstraat in Utrecht. He mentions a 'bos' or forest study and another smaller landscape drawing and references an upcoming watercolor exhibition, revealing the practicalities of displaying and selling art. The Netherlands in the 19th century saw the rise of the Hague School, a movement emphasizing realism and naturalism. Letters like these shed light on the network of artists, galleries, and collectors that shaped the art market during this period. Art historians use such documents to trace the provenance of artworks, understand the relationships between artists and dealers, and reconstruct the social and economic context in which art was produced and consumed.