Date of use : circa 1931, Colombia
Agfa Advertising Postcard from Colombia to Germany
This card is a typical example of how photography was used both as a visual and communication tool in the first half of the 20th century. The back of the card bears the Spanish inscription "Tarjeta Postal," indicating that it circulated as a postcard. The card also features the logo of Agfa, one of the leading photography and film manufacturers of the time. This detail suggests that the card was either produced by Agfa or printed on Agfa photographic paper.
The handwritten message is in German. Its content is informal and personal rather than official or commercial. The sender sends greetings from their location, shares a brief impression of their travels or surroundings, and inquires about the recipient's health. The sentence structure and choice of words reflect everyday conversational language. Common expressions of goodwill found in such cards suggest that it was likely sent during a trip or from a tourist destination.
The photograph on the front shows a sailboat in shallow waters near the shore, surrounded by a crowd of people. The buildings along the coast and the everyday clothing of the people indicate that the photo was taken in a tropical or subtropical region. The image was chosen to provide a visual impression of the location rather than for artistic composition, documenting daily life instead.
When considered together—the message, addressing style, language used, and visual content—this card stands out as a valuable example demonstrating how photography was widely employed in the mid-20th century for both sharing memories and long-distance communication.
Record Information
Title: Agfa Advertising Postcard from Colombia to Germany
Category: Photographic Industry History / Personal Correspondence
Subcategory: Advertising Ephemera / Visual Culture
Country: Colombia → Germany
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Date of use: circa 1931
Brand (Back): Agfa (German photographic manufacturer). The card was either produced by Agfa or printed on Agfa photographic paper, serving as an advertising vehicle.
Object Type: Illustrated postcard ("Tarjeta Postal")
Visual Content (Front): Sailboat in shallow waters near shore, surrounded by people; buildings along the coast; depicts everyday life in a tropical/subtropical region (likely Colombia).
Message (Back): Handwritten in German, informal and personal content (greetings, travel impressions, health inquiry).
Language: Spanish, German
Material: Paper postcard (Agfa photographic paper)
Dimensions: Standard postcard format
Collection Theme: Agfa advertising, Colombian photography, personal correspondence, travel postcards, 1930s visual culture, everyday life documentation, German-Colombian connection.
Archival Significance: This 1931 postcard from Colombia to Germany combines personal correspondence with Agfa's subtle advertising. The use of Agfa paper for a tourist photograph illustrates the brand's integration into everyday visual culture. The handwritten German message and tropical scene reflect the intersection of travel, memory, and communication. This item is a primary source for understanding how photographic products enabled both personal exchange and brand visibility in the early 20th century.
Research Note:
This article is based on historical research and independent analysis of the material in the author's collection. The text has been prepared as an original interpretative study and does not reproduce copyrighted material.
This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
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