Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1895

This postcard to Jan Veth was created by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst in the Netherlands. While simple in appearance, this card offers insight into the cultural and intellectual circles of the time. Addressed to J.P. Veth, a noted art critic, the card signals the importance of networks in shaping artistic reputations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, figures like Veth wielded considerable influence through their writings. Artists depended on critics to promote and legitimize their work. The Royal Dutch coat of arms indicates this card was made for use within the Netherlands, highlighting the intersection between art and national identity. The postal markings indicate that the card was circulated, becoming a physical record of communication. To fully understand the context of this card, we might consult archives of correspondence, exhibition reviews, and biographical studies of both Holst and Veth. Such research reveals the complex interplay of personal relationships and institutional structures that define the art world.