Verlofpas Possibly 1833 - 1836

This object by Van Dongen Bolding is known as a 'Verlofpas'. A literal translation of 'Verlofpas' is 'leave pass'. Imagine the weight and feel of this cylinder of iron in your hands. This unremarkable object speaks volumes about the nature of power, control and identity. It represents the physical embodiment of institutional authority. This iron cylinder was likely a tool used to mark or stamp documents, perhaps those relating to people's movement or permissions. As such, it evokes the stories of those whose lives were governed by such instruments. Its plain, functional design belies its profound impact. It's a reminder of the bureaucratic systems that, for many, have dictated the course of their lives, influencing their personal freedoms and shaping their sense of self. What narratives of resistance and resilience might this object have witnessed? In holding this image in your mind, consider the unseen forces that shape our lives, and the silent stories of those who navigated them.