Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1837

Curator: Here, we have "Brief aan Christiaan Kramm," a letter, likely from 1837, penned by Gerrit Lamberts. It’s currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It's a simple ink drawing on paper, almost like a page torn from a personal sketchbook. What's your first take? Editor: Sparse, stark, immediate. My eye is immediately drawn to the cursive; the pressure of each penstroke so definite. Curator: Indeed. What’s fascinating here is how raw the form feels, like eavesdropping on a very private moment. He composed a letter for his friend. You can almost imagine Lamberts hunched over his desk. I want to decipher how he and Christiaan met at the 'Barony sepetten’ during one of Lamberts' trips. Editor: Yes, this gives you a glimpse to see behind his art and behind the social customs of the day; seeing how his relationships affected him. Did they discuss philosophy, other artist endeavors perhaps? In many ways this shows Lamberts as a well-rounded individual that partakes in every aspect of society. But let's return to the letter. We also find references to prices here, 1.90, and another of 25.0. Why do you think it’s so essential that it’s so accurate. Curator: Money’s usually right at the heart of such concerns. He states they want to put it up for sale at the ‘Bookverk groede, the le.hing.’ so prices are certainly going to be important here. What do you think about his sign off “Nagrocte bench mer hours?” Editor: I love it, the intimacy is still there as he’s writing ‘the most sincere wish’ with an obvious mistake. Its an interesting perspective since it brings more life to the piece. Curator: For me, this work demonstrates the inherent allure found in the unpolished and honest aspects of existence, a sentiment that undeniably deepens our bond with both the work itself and Lamberts as a creator. Editor: Well, for me, it’s also important to see these things because it connects you in different ways; ways in which you don’t expect with art from a bygone era.