Brief aan Frans Buffa en Zonen 1847 - 1932

This letter, now held at the Rijksmuseum, was written by William Unger to Frans Buffa and Sons. Its material – ink on paper – is simple, yet carries a rich social context related to commerce and communication in its time. The flow of the handwritten script across the page speaks to a world before ubiquitous typing, where penmanship was a valued skill. The letter likely discusses the details of a commercial transaction, perhaps involving the printing or publishing business that Frans Buffa and Sons were known for. The very act of writing, sending, and receiving such a letter reflects a slower pace of business, relying on the postal service as a vital artery of the economy. Consider the labor involved: the production of paper and ink, the act of writing itself, and the delivery of the message. These elements highlight how deeply interwoven material culture is with the social and economic fabrics of the past. This letter isn’t just a message; it’s a tangible piece of history, connecting us to the daily work and interactions of people long gone.