Artikel uit archief Jan Veth after 1889

This is an excerpt from the archive of Jan Veth, written by Chap van Deventer. While undated, it likely comes from the late 19th or early 20th century, a time when Dutch art and literary circles were deeply engaged in defining national identity and cultural values. Deventer reflects on the character of furniture, specifically a chair, as a metaphor for human experience. He suggests that a worn chair, much like a person, carries the marks of time and use, acquiring a unique character and even a voice. In this way, Deventer elevates the status of everyday objects, suggesting they can reflect the identities and histories of those who interact with them. The excerpt also touches on the challenge of interpreting art through literature, which he describes as capturing the *impression* of paintings, implying a subjective, emotional engagement rather than a purely descriptive one. Ultimately, Deventer invites us to consider how objects and artworks alike become imbued with meaning, reflecting societal values and individual experiences in deeply personal ways.