Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1887

This letter was written by Chap van Deventer in 1887, using ink on paper. The very act of writing—of transcribing thoughts and observations onto a physical medium—is a powerful symbol. Consider the evolution of written language itself. From ancient hieroglyphs, where each symbol carried a direct representation of an object or idea, to the fluid, abstract forms of handwriting we see here, writing has always served as a bridge across time and space. In early cultures, writing was often associated with sacred knowledge, reserved for priests and scribes. The act of writing was, in itself, a ritual. The script Van Deventer uses connects us to past ages and their cultural patterns, even on a subconscious level. Handwriting captures something of the author's spirit, their emotional state, and their unique identity. The permanence of ink on paper echoes our deep human desire to leave a lasting mark. This letter embodies the enduring power of symbols to connect us to the past.