Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1892

This letter to Philip Zilcken, penned by Howard Mansfield in 1892, exemplifies the tactile nature of late 19th-century communication. It’s made with paper and ink, humble materials rendered significant through the careful application of Mansfield’s hand. The social context here is one of transatlantic exchange, touching on issues of labor and economics. You can see the work involved not just in the writing, but in the transactions it discusses: packing, freight, and the remittance of funds. The letter even delves into the minutiae of settling accounts and the 'privilege of setting the matter right,' hinting at the complexities of international commerce. The physical act of handwriting, the choice of paper, the very texture of the ink – all imbue this letter with a sense of personal connection that transcends its business purpose. It’s a reminder that even in the most mundane exchanges, the materiality and making leave their mark.