Interieur van Stadhouderskade 56, het woonhuis van Andries Bonger in Amsterdam, met schilderijen van Vincent van Gogh, Émile Bernard en Odilon Redon aan de muur 1904

W.J.G. van Meurs captured this image of Andries Bonger's home at Stadhouderskade 56 in Amsterdam, lined with paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Émile Bernard, and Odilon Redon. I can only imagine what it must have been like to hang these paintings. The paintings themselves are all relatively small, nestled together above the stacked bookcases, creating a dense and intimate arrangement. As a painter myself, I wonder about the conversations between these works, not only in the room but also in the artist's mind as they carefully placed each piece. Did they consider how the colours interacted or the narratives they might evoke when juxtaposed? This curation speaks to a broader dialogue within the artistic community. Artists like Van Gogh, Bernard, and Redon engaged in vibrant exchanges, inspiring each other. By showcasing their work together, Bonger highlights the rich tapestry of influences and connections that fuel artistic innovation. For me, painting is not just about individual expression but about participating in a collective conversation that transcends time and space.