Brief aan anoniem Possibly 1847

This letter was written by Cornelis Lieste in 1841. Lieste was part of a generation of Dutch Romantic painters, members of the Guild of Saint Luke, who often idealized the rural landscape, turning a blind eye to the poverty of the farmers who toiled upon it. In this letter, addressed to an unnamed recipient, Lieste discusses the sale of a painting. He mentions a commission, a price of 6.30, and arrangements for collection. The art market in the Netherlands during the 19th century was regulated by institutions like the Guild, which sought to standardize artistic training and promote certain aesthetic values. This letter provides a glimpse into the commercial side of art production at the time. To understand Lieste's work better, we can consult archival records of the Guild of Saint Luke, auction catalogs, and other primary source materials, such as letters between artists and patrons. These sources can help to situate Lieste’s paintings within their original social and institutional context.