Brief aan Jan Veth Possibly 1901 - 1919

This letter to Jan Veth was written by Cornelis Gerardus 't Hooft, using paper and ink. The very act of handwriting already tells us something about the social context. In an era before mass communication, writing letters was a vital means of correspondence, but one available only to a literate elite. The material itself speaks volumes. The paper, likely handmade, would have been a valuable commodity. Its texture and weight would have influenced the flow of the ink, thus shaping the very appearance of the handwriting. The ink itself, carefully prepared, is a testament to the writer's skill and resources. The act of writing would have been time-consuming and deliberate, each stroke of the pen imbuing the message with care. The letter is a reminder that even the simplest of materials carry social and cultural significance. It connects us not only to the writer's thoughts, but also to the labour, politics, and consumption inherent in its production. Appreciating these elements challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.