Briefkaart aan Johan Philip van der Kellen Possibly 1876

This "Briefkaart," or postcard, addressed to Johan Philip van der Kellen in Utrecht, was made by Lambertus Lingeman probably around 1876, judging by the postmark. The design and typeography of this simple card, with its stamp and address lines, speaks volumes about the social and institutional history of communication in the Netherlands. The postal service was not merely a functional tool but a reflection of the state's reach and organization. Looking closely, one can see the cost of the postage and the official seal, indicating state regulation and standardization. The very existence of a postcard implies literacy, a degree of social connection, and a certain pace of life that allowed for quick, written correspondence. Historians delve into postal archives, social surveys, and personal letters to piece together a picture of daily life. This postcard is a small but telling artifact, reminding us that even the most mundane objects are embedded in social and institutional contexts.