Visitekaartje aan anoniem 1818 - 1883

This calling card was produced in the Netherlands by Johannes Adrianus van der Drift, who lived from 1808 to 1883. It reflects the social rituals of the Dutch middle class in the nineteenth century. The handwritten card denotes not only the name of the individual, but also their affiliation with the Royal Academy in Amsterdam and their location, providing us with insight into the person's status, profession, and network. The elegant script and simple design suggest a society where personal connections and institutional affiliations were essential. The card bridges the gap between the private individual and the public sphere. Understanding the context of this card requires research into Dutch social customs and the role of academies in shaping artistic identity. By consulting archives, letters, and institutional records, we can better appreciate how such objects functioned within the visual culture of their time. As cultural historians, we must consider how this seemingly insignificant artifact provides a portal into the society that produced it.