Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1886 - 1889

This letter, written by Willem Kloos in Amsterdam on September 17, 1886, is made of paper and ink. These are, of course, traditional materials, but in this case, the handmade quality is a byproduct of the medium of correspondence, rather than a mark of artistic intention. Consider the labour involved; not just the author's intellectual work, but the physical act of inscription, and also the material processes, from the manufacture of paper to the mixing of ink. The social context is also telling. Kloos, a prominent figure in the Dutch literary scene, is writing to a colleague, Jan Veth, presumably about matters of mutual interest, perhaps even discussing a publication. The handwriting itself is a form of expressive mark-making, carrying the trace of the author’s hand. And while the letter might seem humble in its materials, its content and context elevate it beyond the merely utilitarian. This document is both an artifact of everyday life and a testament to the vibrant intellectual culture of its time. It bridges the supposed divide between fine art and the world of everyday practice.