Brief aan de commissie van de Tentoonstelling van Levende Meesters in Utrecht Possibly 1848

This is a letter to the committee of the Exhibition of Living Masters in Utrecht, penned by Jan Bedijs Tom around 1848. It offers insight into the art world of the Netherlands during a time of significant societal transformation, as industrialization and urbanization reshaped traditional social structures and cultural values. The letter, written in elegant script, speaks to the economic realities faced by artists seeking recognition and financial stability in a rapidly changing art market. Tom requests that his landscape painting be included in the exhibition, valuing it at twenty guilders. The act of negotiating the price of art is an integral part of its valuation, especially in the 19th century. This negotiation highlights the artist's struggle to balance creative expression with the need for economic survival. As you consider this letter, reflect on the intersection of art, commerce, and personal identity. Think about the labor that goes into the creation of art and the emotional investment artists make.