Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Johannes Doyer, an architect based in Buenos Aires, penned this letter to E.H. Schüller-Audretsch in February 1905. It offers a glimpse into the personal and professional networks of European expatriates in Argentina at the turn of the century. Doyer's letter, written in Dutch, conveys sympathy and support to Schüller-Audretsch, likely in response to difficult news. The formal handwriting and stationery indicate a level of social decorum and professional standing. Buenos Aires, during this period, was a booming metropolis attracting European migrants, many of whom were professionals seeking new opportunities. Doyer's architecture practice catered to this growing elite, shaping the city's urban landscape. Understanding this letter requires situating it within the context of early 20th-century migration, urban development, and the social dynamics of expatriate communities. Resources such as immigration records, architectural surveys, and genealogical databases could reveal more about the individuals involved and their place within the broader historical picture. This is an example of how seemingly personal documents can illuminate wider social and institutional histories.
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