Overlijdensbericht betreffende Johanna Magdalena Schnetzler Possibly 1776

This Overlijdensbericht, or obituary, was made by Philippe Métayer in 1776 in Amsterdam, most likely using iron gall ink on paper. The iron gall ink was commonly used for writing and drawing from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. It was made from iron salts, tannin, and gallic acid. The making of iron gall ink involves a chemical reaction between the ingredients, resulting in a dark, permanent ink. However, due to its corrosive nature, iron gall ink can damage the paper over time, causing the ink to fade or even eat through the paper. The amount of labor involved in creating such documents also underscores its value as a marker of social status and remembrance, reflecting the economic disparities inherent in 18th-century society. The use of this type of ink provides insight into the intersection of craft and fine arts, blurring traditional boundaries. By considering materials, processes, and context, we gain a fuller understanding of its meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.