Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1904

This is a postcard to Philip Zilcken by Maurice Denis, but the date of origin is unknown. As a member of the artistic group Les Nabis, Denis believed that art should express subjective emotion and spirituality. This belief emerged from a period of significant social and political upheaval in France. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 had a profound impact on French society and its collective identity, fostering a deep sense of national introspection and a search for meaning in the wake of defeat and social division. Amidst this turmoil, the symbolist movement arose, rejecting materialism and embracing mysticism, which significantly influenced Denis and Les Nabis. Denis sought to capture the essence of human emotion and spiritual experience in their work. The act of sending a personal correspondence reflects a desire to connect on a deeper level and foster a sense of community. The image itself becomes a symbol of human connection.