Wiskundig raadsel Possibly 1784 - 1789

This page, inscribed by Jan Brandes in 1784, showcases his mathematical musings in ink on paper. The rough, fibrous texture of the page bears witness to the traditional methods of paper production at the time. Brandes engages with geometric diagrams and numeric puzzles. The calculations and notations, though specialized, have a real connection to broader social issues. These calculations are a record of labor, in the form of land surveying. They remind us of the role mathematics plays in the management and division of land—an important resource. The act of writing, with its reliance on readily available materials, also speaks to the democratization of knowledge. By examining the materials, the means of production, and the social implications of Brandes's work, we can understand the true significance of this piece. It shows us that even the most specialized crafts are connected to society.