Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1888

This is Willem Witsen’s 1898 letter to Jan Veth, inviting him to dinner in Amsterdam. During the late 19th century, Witsen was part of a circle of artists and intellectuals who were actively involved in shaping Dutch cultural identity. Letters like these can offer intimate glimpses into their personal lives and social networks. This invitation is to convene at a specific time and location, revealing a prearranged rendezvous. The reference to dinner at ‘De Bybel’ and ‘De Bodega’ suggests these were familiar haunts, perhaps sites of artistic discussion and camaraderie. There is an emotional weight in the handwritten text that digital communication often lacks. The letter is more than just a message; it’s a vestige of a particular time and place, inviting us to consider the relationships and conversations that might have unfolded during the dinner it proposes.