Brief aan Ary Johannes Lamme Possibly 1862 - 1865

This letter was written with ink on paper by Samuel Johannes van den Bergh in 1862. Van den Bergh was part of the Dutch bourgeois class who participated in a vibrant letter-writing culture. During this period, the postal service was becoming more efficient and affordable, enabling people to maintain relationships and conduct business over long distances. Letters were more than just functional; they were performative acts that reinforced social bonds. The formal handwriting, polite address, and carefully chosen words reflect the social expectations of the time. The act of writing and receiving letters contributed to a sense of community and shared cultural values. Historians interested in the social conditions of the 19th century Netherlands can consult archives of personal correspondence to understand the dynamics of daily life, social class, and the role of communication in shaping cultural norms.