Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1891

This briefkaart, or postcard, was sent to Jan Veth. We see the postmark with the royal seal stamped on the upper left, a symbol of authority and state power. Consider how such symbols, designed to evoke respect and obedience, recur throughout history. From the imperial eagles of Rome to the fleur-de-lis of France, rulers have always employed visual cues to cement their legitimacy. The crown atop the coat of arms speaks not only to earthly dominion but echoes divine right. The very act of sealing—placing an official mark—transforms a simple piece of correspondence into an instrument of governance, a small token of overarching power. Just as ancient signet rings imprinted wax with emblems of personal authority, so too does this seal stamp the letter, binding the sender and recipient within a web of societal norms and obligations. It’s a fascinating, non-linear progression.