Between 1894 and 1908, Andries Bonger (1861–1936) amassed an impressive collection of artworks by Odilon Redon: dark charcoal drawings, but also colourful pastels, paintings and wall decorations. With these works, he transformed his house in Amsterdam into a veritable Parisian palace.
Andries Bonger believed that art was a direct expression of the maker’s mind. A close relationship between collector and artist was necessary for a better understanding of the art.
Faithful friend and confidant
Bonger became one of Redon’s most important confidants, with a special friendship developing between the two sensitive individuals. It is not surprising, therefore, that the artist dedicated his memoirs to his ‘faithful friend and confidant Andries Bonger’.