Brief aan Christiaan Kramm Possibly 1862 - 1869

This letter was penned by Eberhard Cornelis Rahms in 1862, using paper, ink, and handwriting. These materials were, of course, entirely common at the time. Yet this direct engagement with the act of inscription is precisely the point. The letter’s material qualities – the texture of the paper, the flow of the ink, the very personal touch of the handwriting – all speak to a moment in time before the advent of widespread mechanical reproduction. There's a labor of love involved in the production process. Each stroke of the pen carries a weight of intention and a sense of connection between the writer and the recipient. We might also reflect on the social context of letter-writing in the 19th century. Before telephones and the internet, letters were a primary means of communication, connecting individuals across distances, documenting personal experiences, and shaping social networks. Looking closely at everyday objects like this reminds us that even the most mundane items can be rich with social and cultural significance. They invite us to consider the human labor, skill, and traditions that underpin all forms of material culture.