Almanak voor 1839

This 'Almanak voor 1839' was printed anonymously in 1839, using etching and letterpress. You might call it ephemera – a disposable object, only meant for use for a limited time. But in fact, it reflects much about the society that produced it. Consider the combination of portraiture and densely printed text. These portraits, produced using etching, would have required skilled craftsmanship, as would the typesetting for the letterpress. The almanac form itself combines utility and civic pride. Calendars of this kind were common, but not everyone could afford one. And yet, the real importance here lies in the material. Paper and printing are industrial products, evidence of a rising tide of commodification. The almanac, full of useful information, would have been a must-have for upwardly mobile professionals. Ultimately, this seemingly modest object opens a window onto the culture of 19th-century Holland, a world of growing literacy and commercial activity, made possible by new technologies.