Briefkaart aan Willem Bogtman before 1925

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this postcard to Willem Bogtman around 1911, likely using readily available postal materials. Looking at this postcard, we can consider the place of such ephemeral objects in the broader art world. In the early 20th century, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and political changes, including the rise of socialism and a growing interest in national identity. Here, the presence of the stamp is interesting. It commemorates the reign of Queen Wilhelmina, but it also suggests how even everyday items participate in the construction of national symbols. What might appear banal is actually a potent reminder of the power of institutions in shaping our sense of self. To understand such documents fully, the historian must combine visual analysis with archival research to understand the social context of artistic production. Art always relies on the moment in which it was made.