Brief aan R.W. Abeeling Possibly 1849

This handwritten letter, penned by Franciscus Bernardus Waanders, provides a glimpse into the social customs and personal relationships of the 19th century. It is an intimate artifact of a time when correspondence was a primary means of communication. Waanders, active in a society undergoing significant social and political change, communicates here his personal desires. The letter requests a ‘hundred small cards’, of which two with his name, printed in ‘common English letters’. He asks the recipient to visit his atelier at a specific time. The handwriting itself, elegant yet hurried, speaks to the value placed on both decorum and efficiency in communication. Consider the role letters played for those separated by distance or circumstance. They were lifelines, carrying news, affection, and the very essence of human connection. This letter invites us to reflect on our own relationships and the ways in which we seek to connect with others.