Brief aan Edward Jacobson Possibly 1875 - 1877

This is a letter, written by Johannes Bosboom to Edward Jacobson, though it is undated. It is made with paper, ink, and the very personal touch of handwriting. In an age of increasing industrialisation, even the simple act of writing a letter had social implications. The availability of paper and ink reflects expanding trade networks and production technologies. The letter itself is a product of its time, reliant on an infrastructure of postal services and transportation networks that were changing the pace and nature of communication. The act of handwriting becomes significant, a deliberate choice to maintain a personal connection and express individuality at a time when printed forms were becoming increasingly prevalent. We can imagine Bosboom carefully forming each letter, imbuing the message with his own character. So, even this simple piece of paper, when understood in terms of materials and social context, invites us to reflect on the relationship between the individual, the means of communication, and the wider forces of society.