Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1889

Jac van Looij created this postcard to Jan Veth with ink on paper, sometime in the early 20th century. The materials themselves are telling. Though humble, the paper stock and ink speak to a wider social reality: the rise of mass communication and the industrial production of everyday ephemera. It’s a far cry from the unique, handmade character often associated with fine art. The artist's handwriting, however, gives a personal touch, a gesture toward the intimate connection between sender and recipient. It reminds us of the social function of this modest object, a vehicle for connection, as it carries thoughts and feelings across distances. In this simple postcard we see the convergence of industrial production and personal expression. It’s a reminder that even the most functional objects can be imbued with meaning and artistry, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.