Meetketting van 2 dekameter c. 1877

This schematic drawing of a measuring chain was made by the IJkkantoor Arnhem. It depicts a measuring chain (Meetketting van 2 dekameter), rendered in pen, ink and watercolor on paper. The drawing meticulously details the chain’s construction, showcasing various components and their connections. Look closely at the illustrated links, fasteners, and joints: the linear precision and simple use of colors make clear how the chain was assembled and calibrated. The drawing highlights the chain's modular design with an ability to extend and contract as needed to measure varied distances. In its time, the chain would have been a critical tool for commerce, construction, and land surveying. This was long before lasers and GPS systems became commonplace. The chain’s dependence on human labor makes the drawing a testament to the value of precision in pre-industrial society. This drawing is not merely an aesthetic object; it's a diagram of material culture that underscores the crucial role of standardization in shaping social and economic life.