Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1887 - 1889

This letter, penned by Chap van Deventer in 1897, offers a glimpse into the world of correspondence before mass communication. It is made with paper and ink, humble materials elevated through the act of writing. Consider the qualities of the paper: its texture, the way it absorbs ink, and the grid lines that guide the writer's hand. Notice the ink, its color and flow, as it forms words and conveys thoughts. The act of writing is itself a craft, requiring skill and precision. Think about the social context of this letter, a time when handwritten communication was essential. Letters were not just carriers of information but also tangible connections between people. This particular one demonstrates labor, politics, and consumption, encapsulating the amount of work involved in the production process, and is more than just ink on paper; it's a physical manifestation of thought, connection, and the art of communication.