Brief aan Cornelis Gerardus 't Hooft 1876 - 1925

This letter was written around 1890 by the Dutch artist Jan Veth to Cornelis Gerardus 't Hooft. Though seemingly a simple correspondence, it provides valuable insights into the artistic and intellectual circles of the time. Veth was not only an artist but also a prominent critic and intellectual. His network included influential figures in the Dutch art world. Through his letters, we glimpse the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The letter’s reference to photography, lithography, and artistic styles indicates Veth’s awareness of contemporary trends and his engagement with them. But the letter also shows us how artists were dependent on the patronage of parliamentarians. To fully understand Veth's role in the Dutch art world, we might consult his published writings, exhibition reviews, and biographies of his contemporaries. By examining these resources, we gain a richer understanding of the social and institutional context in which Veth and his peers operated, revealing how art both reflected and shaped the society of its time.