Brief aan anoniem Possibly 1834

Written in 1836, Johannes Christiaan Schotel's "Brief aan anoniem" provides a snapshot into the 19th-century art world. Schotel, a renowned marine painter, likely penned this letter to a patron or fellow artist. The letter hints at the economic realities artists faced. Schotel mentions potential honorariums, suggesting a reliance on commissions for income. The writing reveals a desire for recognition, referencing improvements made to his paintings, and a hope to please his audience. The mention of Leiden may allude to the art scene of the time. Schotel’s emotional investment is palpable. He expresses that he has offered the addressee the 'preference' of the painting. It provides a glimpse into the complex relationship between artistic creation, patronage, and the social networks that sustained artistic practice during this era.