Brief aan Jan Veth 1892

This is a letter addressed to Jan Veth, crafted in January 1892 by Eduard Karsen using paper and ink. The choice of these materials speaks volumes about the context of artistic communication at the time. Paper, made from processed plant fibers, was a common yet precious ground for correspondence, while ink, carefully mixed and applied, carried the weight of personal expression. The letter form itself, born from the rise of postal systems and literacy, democratized communication, connecting individuals across distances through a shared materiality. Karsen’s handwritten script, flowing across the page, reflects not just his thoughts but also the intimate, tactile process of writing. The very act of putting pen to paper imbues the message with layers of meaning beyond the literal words. This object reminds us that even the most everyday materials can become powerful conduits for social connection and artistic expression. It invites us to consider the cultural and historical significance embedded within the simplest of forms.