Overlijdensbericht aan Johan Philip van der Kellen Possibly 1895

This death announcement for Adriana Johanna Haanen, likely made around 1900, offers a glimpse into the social customs of the time through its material and production. It is carefully printed on thick paper stock, using typography that would have been selected and arranged by a skilled compositor. Note the quality of the impression, indicating a well-maintained printing press. This attention to detail suggests that such announcements were produced with care, reflecting respect for the deceased and their family. Consider the social context: the rise of literacy and print culture meant that such notices could be widely distributed, formalizing mourning rituals. The black border, a convention of mourning, adds to the solemnity. This announcement is a reminder of how everyday objects, made with specific skills and materials, can carry significant cultural weight. It challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize the craft and social practices embedded within.