Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1862

This letter, written by Willem Troost in 1864 and housed at the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the life and thoughts of a 19th-century Dutch artist. Troost, born in Arnhem in 1812, reflects on his artistic journey and personal life. The letter reveals Troost's struggles and ambitions as an artist navigating the societal expectations of his time. He mentions his pursuits in lithography and photography, portraying likenesses, “even of people that I cannot remember”. This suggests the importance of portraiture in establishing both identity and social standing during the 19th century. Troost writes of personal hardships, hinting at emotional depth beneath the surface. He mentions being unmarried. How might this status have affected his reception and opportunities within a society that often measured success and worth through marriage and family? This letter is more than a historical document; it’s a personal narrative that speaks to the emotional and professional challenges faced by artists of the time.