Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1859

This is a letter written in 1859 by the artist Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig. It is constructed simply with ink on paper, common materials, and processes for the time. The writing itself has social and cultural significance, offering insights into the life and artistic practice of Linnig. The controlled, elegant script speaks to a certain level of education and social standing, and the careful composition of the text on the page suggests a thoughtful and deliberate approach. The content is about a prospectus, mentioning other artists and their prints. The letter also references family history, providing a glimpse into the artist's personal life and the cultural context in which he operated. The amount of work involved in producing such a letter – from the gathering of materials to the careful execution of the script – reflects the values and priorities of the time. Ultimately, this letter is a reminder of the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, and challenges our traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.