Brief aan Pieter Haverkorn van Rijsewijk 1849 - 1915

This letter, penned by Matthijs Maris, carries more than just ink; it bears the weight of cultural exchange and personal musings. Maris juxtaposes Dutch courtesy with English pragmatism, reflecting a society grappling with changing values. Notice the phrase "time is lucre, pocket is God." This statement echoes the ancient Roman saying "tempus fugit," which translates to 'time flies,' reminding us that time is fleeting. The symbolism of time and value reappears throughout history, from medieval allegories of Father Time to modern expressions of capitalism. Maris adds a twist, suggesting a quasi-religious devotion to wealth, reminiscent of the Golden Calf. The cyclical nature of human concerns is evident, as the pursuit of wealth transcends eras and cultures, shaping societies and individual psyches. As we observe the evolution and transformations of time, lucre, and pocket, we uncover a deep-seated pattern in the human experience.