Brief aan Andries Bonger before 1894

This is a letter written in 1894 by the French artist Émile Bernard to his friend Andries Bonger. It's penned during a period of artistic innovation and social change in France, and the intimate nature of the letter offers a glimpse into the personal and professional life of an artist at the time. Bernard discusses the recent death of their mutual friend, the art dealer Père Tanguy. Tanguy played an important role in supporting avant-garde artists. His death would have been deeply felt within their artistic community, as he represented a vital link between artists and the market. The letter also touches on themes of artistic struggle, financial hardship, and the pursuit of education, reflecting the bohemian lifestyle of many artists in late 19th-century France. To truly understand this letter, researchers might consult biographies of Bernard, Bonger, and Tanguy, as well as studies of the art market and artistic networks in France during this period. Ultimately, the letter reminds us that art is created within specific social conditions and personal relationships.