Menu van een diner op 18 maart 1888 before 1888

This menu card from a dinner on March 18, 1888, likely printed in the Netherlands, presents a fascinating glimpse into the social rituals of the late 19th century. The card's design, with its delicate floral arrangements and elegant script, embodies the aesthetic values of bourgeois respectability during this period. The emphasis on refinement and ornamentation reflects the importance placed on social display and the performance of status. The name 'Anna Steyns' on the card suggests this was a private dinner, perhaps hosted in an affluent home. We might look at cookbooks, etiquette guides, or even newspaper articles to reveal more about the social norms and expectations surrounding dining in the Netherlands at this time. Understanding the broader social and institutional context helps us appreciate how this seemingly simple menu card played a role in shaping and reinforcing social hierarchies.