Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1858

This letter to Christiaan Kramm was written in handwriting by Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet, and dates to February 2, 1855. The letter offers a glimpse into the social networks of 19th century Dutch artists. Cornet corresponds with Kramm, a fellow artist, about matters of mutual acquaintance and artistic practice. The nuances of their exchange and the sharing of technical knowledge, suggests a community deeply engaged in its craft. I am drawn to the physicality of this letter – the delicate script and aged paper evoke a sense of intimacy. We can imagine Cornet’s hand moving across the page, carefully forming each word. It's a potent reminder of the personal connections underpinning art history, inviting us to consider the labor, vulnerability, and shared humanity of these figures. It represents not only a historical record, but also a tangible trace of human interaction.