Briefkaart aan Jan Veth 1874 - 1925

This is the back of a postcard addressed to Jan Veth, written by Etha Fles. Etha Fles was part of a generation of women artists in the Netherlands who navigated the social constraints of their time. Coming from a wealthy, Jewish family, Fles had the privilege of artistic training at a time when opportunities for women were limited. Her connection to Jan Veth, a prominent art critic and artist, speaks to her integration into the art world. But how did gender and class shape their dialogue, especially considering the power dynamics inherent in the art world? While the postcard seems simple, it reflects the complex intersections of identity, access, and communication in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It evokes a sense of intimacy, raising questions about the personal relationships that underpin artistic and intellectual movements. In considering this artifact, we can contemplate the untold stories of women whose contributions may have been overshadowed by their male counterparts.