Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1897

This is a briefkaart, or postcard, addressed to Jan Veth, sent by Etha Fles. While seemingly simple, this card transports us to the artistic and intellectual circles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Netherlands. Etha Fles was a writer and art critic, who advocated for women artists of the time. Jan Veth, the recipient, was also an artist, critic, poet and art historian. Their correspondence provides a glimpse into their world, filled with discussions on art, literature, and the burgeoning feminist movement. The act of sending a postcard, a personal message across distances, speaks to a desire for connection and community. It also reflects the changing social dynamics of the time, as women like Fles were increasingly engaging in public discourse and forging their own paths in the art world. Consider the intimacy of a handwritten note, a tangible piece of communication that carries the weight of intention. This briefkaart, therefore, goes beyond a mere piece of mail. It embodies the spirit of an era marked by intellectual ferment, artistic innovation, and the fight for gender equality, encapsulating a moment of connection between two figures who helped shape the cultural landscape.