Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1886

This is a postcard, penned by C.M. van Deventer to Jan Veth in 1886 in the Netherlands. On the surface, it is a mundane piece of correspondence. But consider the late 19th century art world in the Netherlands, steeped in debates about artistic identity and national character. Jan Veth, the recipient, was not just any artist; he was a prominent critic and painter, deeply involved in the cultural politics of his time, helping to shape the canon of Dutch art. The fact that van Deventer, of whom little is recorded, felt compelled to write to Veth suggests a network of artistic exchange, a hierarchy perhaps, or a bid for recognition. The postal markings and the very act of sending a 'briefkaart' become significant markers of social and professional engagement. To understand the full story, one might delve into the archives of artists' letters, exhibition catalogs, and the critical writings of the period. This postcard, therefore, is a reminder that even the simplest artifacts can offer insights into the complex social fabric of art history.