Brief aan Jacoba Cornelia Jolles-Singels 1889

This is a letter written by Jan Veth around 1900, using paper, ink, and a writing implement such as a dip pen. These were the everyday materials of communication at the time. The letter's material qualities offer a tactile connection to the past. The paper, likely handmade, has a visible texture, while the ink, perhaps iron gall, has a depth of color that varies with the pressure of Veth’s hand. These material aspects, combined with his elegant cursive script, convey a sense of intimacy and personal care. You can almost see the writer in his words. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the letter also speaks to the social context of its creation. It reflects the labor involved in handwriting and the value placed on personal correspondence before mass communication. It’s a reminder that even the simplest materials can carry profound cultural and personal significance. The letter invites us to consider the human effort and social relations embedded in the artwork.