Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1893

This is a letter written by Theo van Hoytema to Jan Veth in 1893, and the materials are simple: paper, ink, and the artist’s own hand. Yet, consider the labor involved. Before industrial production, paper was made by hand, sheet by sheet, a skilled and time-consuming process. Ink, too, required careful formulation. The handwriting itself speaks to a culture of penmanship, where script was a primary form of communication and self-expression. Look closely and you can almost trace the artist’s thoughts as they flowed onto the page. This wasn't just a quick email, but a carefully composed message, reflecting a different rhythm of life. In our digital age, it’s easy to overlook the value once placed on these humble materials and the care invested in their transformation. This letter reminds us that every object, no matter how small, carries within it a history of making and social connection.