Briefkaart aan Willem Bogtman before 1926

This Briefkaart aan Willem Bogtman was created in 1926 by Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, and is made of paper, ink, and a stamp. The postcard itself, a relatively new technology at the time, enabled cheap and fast communication, becoming a ubiquitous form of mass communication, a small canvas for personal and public expression. The processes of mass production involved in the creation of this postcard speak to a growing culture of consumption and connectivity in the early 20th century. The handwritten text becomes particularly significant, adding a personal, intimate touch to the mass produced object. The tactile quality of the handwriting contrasts with the standardized format of the postcard, highlighting the tension between individuality and mass culture. Consider the labor involved, from the postal workers to the manufacturers of the card, and the sender. Understanding the materials and modes of production helps us see this humble postcard as a poignant artifact, reflecting broader social and economic shifts of its time.