Brief aan anoniem 1878 - 1941

This is a letter from 1894, penned by the French artist Emile Bernard. Coming from an upper-middle-class background, Bernard became a central figure in Post-Impressionism. Here, we see a personal glimpse into Bernard's life, perhaps a note to a friend or colleague. Written in French, the letter hints at dealings with a consulate, possibly concerning travel or bureaucratic matters, maybe even the politics of being an artist abroad. Consider how class afforded Bernard the opportunity for artistic pursuits and international experiences, while the handwritten note itself speaks to a time before mass communication, a slower pace of life. The text may seem mundane, but it reflects the everyday realities that shaped Bernard’s world and his art. It connects us to the personal and historical circumstances behind the art.