Loterijbrief Possibly 1820

This lottery ticket, or 'Loterijbrief', was created in 1820 by D.C. de Groot Jamin. Printed on thin paper, this humble artifact speaks volumes about the economic life of the time. Notice the typography, carefully set, and the handwritten signature guaranteeing its authenticity. These details reflect a society where printed matter was becoming more common, yet still retained the personal touch of handcraft. Consider the risk and hope embedded in this piece of paper. The lottery offered a chance for social mobility, appealing to the dreams of ordinary people. This fragile ticket embodies the aspirations and anxieties of a society grappling with emerging capitalist structures, where luck and chance played a significant role. By examining the materials and production of this lottery ticket, we gain insight into the broader social and economic context of the 19th century. It reminds us that even the simplest objects can tell complex stories about labor, class, and consumption.