Briefkaart aan Ab Bogtman 1935

This postcard to Ab Bogtman was sent by the Dutch artist Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst, though we don't know exactly when. It may seem like a slight and insignificant thing, but in reality, the humble postcard is a fascinating artifact of social and institutional history. The Dutch postal system, like others across Europe, played a critical role in expanding literacy and building a sense of national identity. The postal service was crucial for enabling the spread of information, cultural values, and commercial exchange. Holst's message, though personal, speaks to these broader themes. The use of a postcard as a medium reflects how deeply enmeshed the postal service was in everyday life. Art historians often rely on archival research to better understand artworks like this. Personal letters, postal records, and other documents can illuminate the social networks and cultural contexts that shaped artistic production. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for art as a reflection of its time.