Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1895

Editor: Here we have "Briefkaart aan Jan Veth," a postcard to Jan Veth, created before 1895 by Maurits van der Valk, using pen and ink on paper. The calligraphy immediately catches my eye. How would you describe the importance of something like this? Curator: It's crucial to consider the production. The paper, the ink, the pen itself - these were commodities, things produced and consumed. Look closely. Notice how the application of ink varies. Editor: Yes, I see differences in pressure and thickness. Curator: Exactly. This variation wasn't accidental. Van der Valk made specific choices in his handling of these materials. It's also not just *what* he wrote but *how* he chose to write it that conveys the meaning. We see him using penmanship to perform different functions, making sure the viewer knows to whom the letter is addressed, where it is meant to be delivered and other critical notes, what does it indicate to you? Editor: I'd not really thought about the choices involved in writing the address on a letter. The calligraphy feels deliberate, less a casual note and more like a presentation. Curator: Precisely. We’re also looking at a piece of material culture. Think about the postal system, the exchange of goods, and ideas. These systems influence what art is possible. Editor: So, this postcard isn’t just a personal note. It's connected to a broader network of exchange. Curator: Exactly. It's part of the web of materials and labour that constitutes the late 19th century. Understanding this wider context is what allows us to appreciate its deeper significance. Editor: Thanks! I learned a lot from viewing it with a materials-based lens.