Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1892 - 1894

This is a Briefkaart aan Jan Veth, created in the Netherlands in 1892 by Eduard Karsen. While on the surface simply a postcard addressed to the artist Jan Veth, it provides a glimpse into the social and professional networks of artists in the late 19th century. The postcard itself, with its official stamps and carefully inscribed address, speaks to a culture of correspondence and exchange. Jan Veth, the recipient, was himself a significant figure in the Dutch art world, known for his portraits and art criticism. Karsen's decision to send a briefkaart rather than another form of correspondence reflects the changing patterns of communication at the time. By delving into the archives, such as collections of letters, exhibition catalogues, and period publications, we can reconstruct the artistic and intellectual exchanges that shaped the art of the time. Art historians can examine such ephemera to understand better the conditions in which art was made, and to reveal the social forces that shaped the artistic production and consumption.