Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1898

Here we have a postcard to Jan Veth, penned by Jozef Israëls in 1898. This simple missive offers us a glimpse into the intimate social networks of artists and intellectuals during the late 19th century. Israëls, who was of Jewish descent, positioned himself as a chronicler of the lives of the working class and rural poor, which resonated with the era's growing social consciousness. This interest also reflects the Hague School's broader engagement with everyday life and the landscape. Veth, the recipient, was an art critic, scholar, and artist who was deeply engaged in the cultural and political discussions of his time. As an intellectual, he was at the heart of debates on art's role in society. Consider the historical context: this postcard was sent during a period of significant social change, with industrialization rapidly transforming European society. The Hague School, to which Israëls belonged, sought to capture the lives of ordinary people with empathy and realism. The act of sending this postcard is itself an act of connection, weaving together personal histories and cultural dialogues.