Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1891 - 1893

This is “Brief aan Jan Veth,” a letter written in 1892 by Johannes de Koo with pen and ink on paper. In this age of digital communication, it’s easy to forget that handwriting was once the primary means of correspondence. Penmanship was a prized skill, reflecting one's education and social standing. A handwritten letter offered a tactile connection to the sender, imbued with their personality through the unique character of their script. The creation of paper itself was a labor-intensive process, involving the pulping of fibers, pressing, and drying. Ink, too, was carefully formulated, often from natural dyes and minerals. These materials were relatively accessible to those of means, yet still represented a certain level of investment in communication. The act of writing was a deliberate and considered act, far removed from the immediacy of our modern communications. Looking at this letter, we can appreciate the historical importance of materials, the methods of production, and the societal setting when understanding the essence of creative works.