Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1900 - 1907

This is a briefkaart, or postcard, sent by Max Liebermann to Jan Veth in 1931. At the top left, we see a coat of arms, a symbol deeply rooted in heraldic tradition, representing nobility, lineage, and institutional authority. Throughout history, variations of these emblems have appeared on medieval shields to Renaissance tapestries and modern-day logos. Here, it signifies the sender's connection to a particular place and status within society. It is fascinating to observe how these symbols have adapted. Once markers of aristocratic identity, they now appear in corporate branding, diluted and repurposed for commercial appeal. The collective memory, embedded in these images, evokes feelings of trust and establishment, consciously or subconsciously influencing our perceptions. Consider the emotional power these symbols hold—a deep, subconscious engagement that taps into our inherited cultural narratives. This card, like the symbols it bears, is part of a non-linear progression, resurfacing through time, evolving and taking on new meanings in each historical context.