Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1884

This briefkaart, or postcard, was sent to Jan Veth by Albert Verwey. The card offers us a glimpse into the literary and artistic circles of the Netherlands in the late 19th century. As a poet and literary critic, Verwey was deeply embedded in the cultural and intellectual life of his time. His correspondence with Veth, an artist, reflects the networks of collaboration and exchange that defined artistic movements. The practice of sending postcards was not merely a means of communication but a way of participating in a broader discourse, contributing to the construction of shared identities and cultural values. The handwritten address and the postmarks evoke a sense of intimacy and immediacy, reminding us of the physical act of writing and sending messages. The card is now a historical artifact that encapsulates a moment in time. It prompts us to consider how we, in our digital age, create and maintain connections, and what traces we will leave behind.