Briefkaart aan Jan Veth by Chap van Deventer

Briefkaart aan Jan Veth

Possibly 1919

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Artwork details

Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

About this artwork

This is a postcard to Jan Veth, made with ink and stamps, likely around the turn of the last century, by Chap van Deventer. It's like a little abstract painting, but with real world intentions. I can see the artist was probably less concerned with perfection, and more with the act of communication, writing and sending this message through the mail. The stamps are like miniature artworks themselves, with their graphic depictions of value, and the overall palette is muted: beige, brown, and red, all softened by time. Those cancellations smeared across the stamps and the printed coat of arms are such beautiful details. They remind us that art isn't just about something precious in a frame. Look at the confident, almost playful handwriting too. The way 'Bussum' is written is so carefree and sure. It’s a reminder that even the simplest, most functional things, like a quick note, can have an unexpected aesthetic quality, like a Cy Twombly scrawl. It's the everyday made extraordinary. The conversation never ends!

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