Riemkap met postbezorger 1817 - 1828

Johannes Fredericus Lange created this print of a postman on horseback sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It offers a glimpse into a vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of pre-industrial society. The postal worker, framed by a laurel wreath, isn't just delivering letters; he's a link between communities, a bringer of news, and a symbol of connection in a time when distances felt vast. Think about the reliance on these individuals for communication. Their work facilitated commerce, personal relationships, and the flow of information that shaped public opinion. The backdrop, featuring a traditional windmill, roots this figure in a specific time and place, highlighting the relationship between technological progress and established ways of life. Consider the socio-economic implications of postal services during this era. Who had access to them? What power dynamics were at play in controlling the flow of information? Lange's image invites us to reflect on the labor, infrastructure, and social structures that underpin something as seemingly simple as the delivery of mail.