Gedicht uit archief Jan Veth 1874 - 1925

This poem, "Gedicht uit archief Jan Veth" written by Jan Veth, gives us a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual climate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Veth, born in 1864, was a Dutch artist, poet, critic, and professor, whose career unfolded during a time of significant social and artistic change. This handwritten poem is a meditation on Hermes, the Greek god often associated with transitions and boundaries. Through Veth’s personal lens, this poem reflects the symbolist movement of the time which sought to express individual emotion through the use of symbolic language. It's almost as if Veth is reimagining classical themes through his unique perspective as an artist and writer living in a rapidly changing world. This highly personalized approach invites us to consider how individual expression intersects with broader cultural narratives, and how artists use these themes to explore their place in society.