Brief aan Etha Fles Possibly 1889

This letter was written by Jan Veth in 1894. Veth, born in 1864, was a Dutch artist, critic, poet and art collector, active in the cultural circles of the Netherlands at the turn of the century. Addressed to 'Berte Ulha', it references a portrait he made of her father, highlighting his satisfaction with capturing the essence of the sitter. Veth's writing provides a glimpse into his artistic process, emphasizing the emotional and intellectual exchange involved in portraiture. "The longer it lasts, the more alien things come together”. As a member of the intellectual elite, Veth's correspondence provides insights into the social and artistic values of his time. The emotional undercurrent in his letter reveals the personal connections that underpinned his artistic endeavors. Through his intimate tone he develops alternative narratives to the formal portraiture that was popular at the time. The letter serves not only as a personal message, but also as a commentary on the emotional investment and relational dynamics inherent in the act of creating art.