Wensbrief met decoratief kader Possibly 1778 - 1850

This is an undated, decorative border for a ‘wensbrief’, or message of goodwill, created by the widow C. Kok-van Kolm. During the 18th and 19th centuries, letter writing was an elaborate social ritual, especially among the elite. These letters were more than just modes of communication, they were performances of social grace and artistic expression. The widow Kok-van Kolm, designed this frame to be used for various messages of goodwill, likely for those of similar social standing as herself. The delicate ornamentation and scenes of affluent domestic life speak to the values and aspirations of a privileged class. Yet, the very act of a woman, particularly a widow, engaging in artistic and commercial endeavors also subtly challenges the patriarchal norms of the time. The creation and exchange of these letters, therefore, highlights the complex interplay between personal expression, social expectations, and quiet acts of defiance.