Brief aan anoniem Possibly 1807

This letter, "Brief aan anoniem," was written in 1817 by Jan de Greef, a figure of the Dutch Enlightenment. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Netherlands was in a state of social and political transformation. This environment shaped the dialogues and exchanges within personal letters of the era. Though the recipient remains anonymous, the letter references a request for “een tarief van spiegels” (a rate for mirrors). Here we are given insight into Dutch commercial culture and into the economics of the time. Letters of this era also give glimpses into relationships and social networks, showing a reliance on personal connections for business and social purposes. De Greef’s handwritten script allows us to enter a past world, inviting reflection on the nature of communication, commerce, and connection during a transformative epoch.