Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1887

This is a carte postale, or postcard, sent by the Dutch poet Willem Kloos to Jan Veth in 1884. Produced in Belgium, the card itself is a product of the expanding postal networks of the late 19th century, which served to connect individuals across geographical distances. What makes this postcard interesting is the relationship between Kloos and Veth and how it speaks to the formation of artistic movements. Kloos was a leading figure in the "Tachtigers," a Dutch literary movement that advocated for aestheticism and individualism, challenging the conservative artistic norms of the time. Jan Veth was an artist, critic, poet, and writer. The card is addressed to Veth as "artiste," hinting at the respect and recognition Kloos had for his peer. To fully understand the dynamics, we need to examine the rich archival material of letters, literary journals, and critical essays. These materials offer insights into how artists forged alliances, debated ideas, and collectively shaped the cultural landscape of their time.