Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1909

This is a letter made by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, and what strikes me is how the process of sending a letter becomes a kind of art. The stamps and postal marks aren't just functional; they're a composition. Holst is using color here in a similar way to the Fauves, or even Matisse. The paper itself is a soft, muted blue, almost like a faded memory. The handwriting, looping and elegant, adds another layer of texture, making me think of Cy Twombly. It's not just about the message; it's about the gesture of communication, the physicality of ink on paper. Consider the circular stamp from Bussum, it anchors the composition with its precise geometry. Then you have the contrast of the stamps, each with their own miniature portrait, creating this dialogue across borders and time. Holst may have been influenced by the Symbolist movement, with its emphasis on mood and atmosphere, you might also think of Whistler's interest in graphic design, where every element is carefully considered to create a harmonious whole. This letter reminds us that art can be found in the everyday, in the simple act of reaching out to another person.