Brief aan Charles Henri Immerzeel Possibly 1842 - 1848

This letter to Charles Henri Immerzeel was composed by Arnoud Schaepkens in 1842. Written during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Europe, this piece offers a glimpse into the personal and professional relationships of the time. Schaepkens, an artist, provides an insight into the life of a 19th-century painter. The letter speaks to the exchange of ‘an inscription ticket of the lives of painters.’ This reference suggests a vibrant cultural network where artists shared biographical information, perhaps as a means of self-promotion or solidarity. It is evocative of a society in which access to, and control of, one's narrative was becoming increasingly important. In the context of burgeoning nationalism and artistic movements, the emotional resonance of this letter lies in its quiet affirmation of artistic community and identity. It underscores the importance of shared stories, and how artists sought to define and disseminate their narratives.