Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1898

This letter, written by Cornelis Hofstede de Groot in 1890, showcases more than just a message; it reveals the symbolic power of handwriting itself. Observe the flourishes and careful script—these aren't mere words but a performance of intellect and authority, reflecting the cultural weight placed on written correspondence during this era. Letters were powerful objects; think of the famous letters of St. Paul, or the Renaissance "Literae Humaniores" letters, which often displayed elaborate calligraphy to augment their message. The act of writing, then as now, taps into our collective memory, carrying echoes of past dialogues and intellectual exchanges. Much like the ancient scribes who meticulously copied sacred texts, Hofstede de Groot’s elegant penmanship invokes a sense of tradition and scholarly dedication, engaging the recipient on a deeply psychological level and speaking to the enduring human desire to connect through the written word.