Brief aan Adriaan van der Willigen Possibly 1842

This is a letter written by Charles Henri Immerzeel to Adriaan van der Willigen in 1842. Immerzeel was part of the Dutch artistic and literary world, a context deeply influenced by the social and political upheavals of the 19th century. The letter hints at the intricate web of relationships and exchanges within artistic circles. It speaks of portraits, collaborations and the gifting of work. What is revealed is the support structure between artists, their reliance on each other for visibility and, perhaps, survival. The mention of portraits suggests an engagement with identity, a common thread in the art of this period, while the discussion of collaborative projects points towards a shared creative process. Letters like this one offer an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of artists, revealing their aspirations, struggles, and the collaborative spirit that fueled their creativity. They remind us that art is rarely a solitary endeavor, but rather a product of complex social interactions.