Visiting card
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VisitingCardJohannVanBeethoven.jpg
VisitingCardJohannVanBeethoven.jpg
Visiting card of Johann van Beethoven, Brother of Ludwig van Beethoven
Visiting cards first appeared in China in the 15th century, and in Europe in the 17th century. The footmen of aristocrats and of royalty would deliver these first European visiting cards to the servants of their prospective hosts solemnly introducing the arrival of their owners.
Visiting cards became an indispensable tool of etiquette, with sophisticated rules governing their use. As an adoption from French and English etiquette, visiting cards became common amongst the aristocracy of America and Europe. They included refined engraved ornaments and fantastic coats of arms.
See also
External links
- Visiting Cards of the 18th Centurie (http://www.thebookofdays.com/months/june/5.htm) An illustrated historical article from The Book of Days by Robert Chambers (1802-1871)