Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1915 - 1923

This is a letter, penned by Ernest van Loon to Philip Zilcken on July 23, 1915, from The Hague. The letter gives us a peek into a world overshadowed by the First World War. During this time, personal correspondence served as a lifeline, connecting individuals amidst widespread disruption and anxiety. Van Loon's handwritten note speaks to the intimacy and the necessity of communication during such times. Though the letter's contents are only partially legible, the act of writing itself—of reaching out—suggests a deep need for connection. Consider the emotional weight of these exchanges. The war profoundly impacted personal identities, reshaped social structures, and redefined daily life. Letters like this one offer a counterpoint to the grand narratives of war, reminding us of the individual experiences and relationships that persevered, or were lost, amidst the global conflict. The personal is indeed political.