Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1890 - 1898

This is a letter, penned in 1890 by Willem Kloos to Jan Veth. It offers us a glimpse into the literary and artistic circles of the Netherlands at the time. Kloos, a leading figure of the Tachtigers, a Dutch literary movement that rejected naturalism in favour of aestheticism and individualism, is writing to Veth, an artist, critic, and fellow intellectual. Their correspondence reveals the close-knit community of artists and writers who shaped the cultural landscape of the era. The Tachtigers sought to elevate art above social and political concerns, emphasizing subjective experience and beauty. Yet, by examining their letters, manifestos, and publications, we can understand how their ideas both reflected and challenged the social norms of their time. Understanding this letter requires a careful reading of the historical context, looking into the archives of literary journals and biographical accounts. In doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between art, culture, and society.