Brief aan de heer de Cort Possibly 1860 - 1869

This letter was composed in Brussels in September by Karel Frederik Bombled; the exact year remains unknown. Bombled, writing to a Mr. de Cort, was likely part of a network of artists and intellectuals who sustained cultural life in the Belgian capital. Letters like this were vital, serving as a medium for exchanging ideas, arranging meetings, and maintaining connections within artistic circles. In the 19th century, such networks played a crucial role in shaping artistic movements and establishing the reputations of individual artists. This letter hints at the importance of personal connections and correspondence in facilitating artistic production and circulation. By studying the archival records of artists and their associates, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped artistic creation during this period. The meaning of the letter is contingent on social and institutional context.