Advertenties voor kolen, kaarsen en sigaretten 1884 - 1952

Editor: Here we have, "Advertenties voor kolen, kaarsen en sigaretten," or "Advertisements for Coal, Candles, and Cigarettes," dating from 1884 to 1952 by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries. It's a print with typography, using graphic art styles. The monochrome images create distinct blocks for each product, kind of like a page torn from a vintage magazine. I’m wondering, what stories do you see embedded in these images, looking back at this piece? Curator: Oh, stories galore! It's like stumbling upon a visual time capsule. Look how each ad tries to capture a feeling: the cozy warmth promised by "Kolen," the aspiration for brightness offered by "Lux" candles. And then there's the "OKA" cigarettes promising, who knows what – a touch of exotic allure, perhaps? I'm captivated by the bold graphic language, the way they carve out emotions in simple black and white. Isn't it fascinating how our desires get packaged and sold? Which image speaks to you most vividly and why? Editor: I think it’s the "Kolen," with the snowy cabin. It feels very Dutch, almost like a fairytale illustration. But what strikes me is the directness of the language. "Denkt om Uw Wintervoorraad!" “Think about your winter supply!” Very little poetry, just pure pragmatism. Curator: Exactly! And isn't there a raw beauty in that unadorned practicality? In a world saturated with sleek, overly-produced images, there’s something deeply authentic in the economy of those lines, the direct plea for warmth and comfort. Almost feels like a tiny act of rebellion against modern advertising excess, wouldn't you agree? It makes you wonder what people valued then versus now... Editor: It definitely provides a glimpse. It’s almost sad how straightforward life seemed. Now everything's layered. Thanks for bringing that to light! Curator: And thank you for sparking my thoughts – a little bit of old-school clarity is always welcome in the noise of today!