Brief aan Ary Johannes Lamme Possibly 1867

Nicaise De Keyser penned this letter to Ary Johannes Lamme in 1867, using paper and ink. The choice of these commonplace materials speaks volumes. The paper, likely mass-produced, underscores the rise of industrialization and the increased accessibility of communication. Ink, manufactured through complex chemical processes, highlights the changing landscape of artistic production, with materials sourced from global trade networks rather than created by the artist. The labor involved is subtle yet telling. De Keyser's handwriting, a personal mark, contrasts with the standardized materials, indicating a negotiation between individual expression and the forces of mass production. The letter becomes a material witness to the intersection of art, industry, and social connection in the 19th century. By considering materials, processes, and social context, we gain insight into the ways of making.