Brief aan Adriaan van der Willigen Possibly 1826

This letter to Adriaan van der Willigen, penned by Johannes Jelgerhuis, gives insight into the social and economic context of the early 19th century. Written on humble paper, it reflects the everyday correspondence of the time. The script, rendered in dark ink, speaks to the importance of legibility and communication. It suggests a world where handwriting was a primary means of conveying information, and where literacy was a valued skill tied to social mobility. The letter format itself indicates a network of relationships, dependent on the postal service. Jelgerhuis refers to a “Stempel” to be used on “kisten.” In this context, the letter becomes a testament to the labor involved in the production process, of the value placed on careful documentation. The letter serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can reveal the complex interplay between material, making, and the broader social world. It shows how modes of communication are tied to the very fabric of everyday life.