Brief aan anoniem Possibly 1816

This letter was penned by Jan Hendrik Verheijen in Utrecht on October 1, 1816. It gives us a glimpse into the art world of the Netherlands in the early 19th century. The letter, addressed to an unnamed recipient, discusses matters related to paintings and pricing, offering insight into the economic realities of artistic creation at the time. The writer mentions the determination of prices for paintings, and hints at the haggling and negotiations that were a part of the art market. This correspondence provides valuable information about the institutional history of art production and consumption. By studying such letters, alongside exhibition records, and sales catalogues, we can better understand the social networks, economic structures, and power dynamics that shaped the art world. The historian uses these resources to uncover the complex layers of meaning embedded in artworks.