Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1898

Pieter Lodewijk Tak penned this letter to Jan Veth in 1898, using ink on paper. The handwritten form immediately tells us that this is a pre-digital moment, of course. But it also invites us to consider the material reality of communication in that era. The flow of ink across the page, guided by Tak’s hand, creates a unique visual rhythm. Each stroke carries not just information, but also the artist's personal touch. Think about the embodied labor involved, the deliberate choice of words, the pressure applied to the pen, all contributing to the character of the message. Correspondence like this reveals how much effort was required for even simple exchanges. It’s a far cry from our instantaneous digital communications, and reminds us of the social value once placed on these intimate, tangible forms of connection. By appreciating the materiality of this letter, we gain insight into the rich texture of late 19th-century life.