Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen Possibly 1889

This letter was written by Otto Eerelman, on February 26th. While its exact date remains unknown, its contents offer a glimpse into the economic realities of the art world during Eerelman's time. Eerelman, known for his paintings of animals, particularly dogs, here discusses the price of a dog portrait he was commissioned to paint. He writes about his expectations to receive between 250 to 300 Gulden for the portrait of a dog. The letter reveals the complex relationship between artistic creation and financial compensation. It touches on themes of patronage, artistic labor, and the commodification of art. It emphasizes the financial negotiations artists like Eerelman had to navigate. The phrase, "I must also come over for a few days," speaks to the human element of artistic production. The letter connects the sale of art with the personal interactions and negotiations that underpin these transactions.