Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1902 - 1930

This is a letter written on November 30, 1902, by Max Liebermann, a prominent German-Jewish artist, to Jan Veth, an important Dutch art critic and painter. The letter offers a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual exchanges of the time. Liebermann, a leading figure in German Impressionism, faced the complexities of his identity as a Jew in an increasingly nationalistic and antisemitic society. It would have been a precarious balancing act for Liebermann to be both German and Jewish, and his success didn't shield him from the rising prejudice of the time. The mention of an exhibition and its success in this letter is a reminder of the vibrant art scene and the critical role that figures like Veth played in shaping artistic reputations. This letter is a touching expression of friendship and mutual respect, especially considering the tumultuous historical backdrop against which their relationship unfolded. It reflects the power of art to bridge cultural and national divides, even as those divides were deepening.