Brief aan de Commissie van de Tentoonstelling van Levende Meesters in Utrecht 1822 - 1899

Johannes Pieter van Wisselingh penned this letter to the Committee of the Exhibition of Living Masters in Utrecht sometime in the 19th century. This submission letter, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the art world of the Netherlands during a time of burgeoning nationalism and artistic innovation. Wisselingh was part of a generation grappling with questions of national identity and cultural heritage. The letter lists paintings he wishes to submit for exhibition, including landscapes such as "panorama opde Stas Merfeta zup," reflecting a growing interest in depicting the Dutch countryside. These landscapes not only celebrated the beauty of the Netherlands but also served as visual assertions of its unique identity in a rapidly changing world. Consider how Wisselingh, through his art and engagement with institutions like the Exhibition of Living Masters, played a role in shaping Dutch cultural identity. How do these landscapes negotiate the tension between tradition and modernity, and what do they tell us about the values and aspirations of Dutch society at the time?