Brief aan Jan Veth 1874 - 1925

This is a letter written by Antoon Derkinderen to Jan Veth, dating from 1895. The materials are quite simple: paper and ink, the tools, a nib pen and the artist’s own hand. Here, Derkinderen makes use of the inherent qualities of these humble materials to communicate directly with his friend. The texture of the paper is smooth, allowing the ink to flow freely and create elegant strokes. We can almost sense the pressure of the pen on the paper as Derkinderen forms each word, the weight and color of the ink creating a visual rhythm. The labor is evident in the careful penmanship and thoughtful composition of the letter. In a time before mass communication, the handwritten letter was the primary means of conveying personal thoughts, which gives this particular example its intimacy and significance. This letter reminds us that materials, making, and context are essential to understanding the full meaning of an artwork, even one as seemingly simple as this.