Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1884

This “Briefkaart aan Jan Veth” was sent by Willem Witsen, likely around the turn of the 20th century. It's made from humble materials: paper, ink, and glue, but don't let that fool you. Even the most apparently simple things have a rich story to tell. Consider the paper itself. Its production involved vast industries of logging, pulping, and mechanized manufacturing. The postal system, too, relied on complex logistics and labor to connect people across distances. And let's not forget the printing of the stamps and the postal markings, each a small emblem of state authority and commercial exchange. Witsen’s handwritten message reminds us of a time before instant communication, when a carefully penned note was a valuable social artifact. All these elements – the materials, the making, and the networks of exchange – contribute to the significance of this seemingly modest artwork. It's a reminder that even the most everyday objects can reveal the intricate workings of society and culture.