Brief aan jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout (1879-1969) Possibly 1931

This is a letter written on December 30th, 1931 by Engelien Reitsma-Valença to Jonkheer Hendrik Teding van Berkhout. It's interesting to consider the social dynamics at play here in the Netherlands. The use of "Jonkheer" indicates Hendrik's noble status, a marker of social hierarchy. Reitsma-Valença, an artist, is writing to him, likely seeking patronage or recognition. The letter itself reveals the economic realities of the art world. She mentions having just had an exhibition, implying a need to sell her work. She's willing to remove the frames to accommodate his preferences, suggesting a flexibility born out of economic necessity. To truly understand the significance of this letter, we'd need to delve into the archives. Researching the Teding van Berkhout family and Reitsma-Valença's exhibition history could reveal more about their relationship and the social context of artistic production at that time. This object serves as a reminder that art exists within a web of social, economic, and institutional relationships.