Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1901 - 1919

This is a letter, dated April 19, 1901, written by James Ensor to Philip Zilcken. It provides a glimpse into the social networks and economic realities that underpinned the art world of Belgium at the turn of the century. Ensor, known for his avant-garde approach, here engages with the institutional structures that supported artistic production, most likely regarding exhibition or sale of his artworks. He mentions a list of prices for artworks and refers to an insurance value, which was half of the sale price. This suggests a practical understanding of the art market, highlighting the financial considerations that artists must navigate. Ensor’s avant-gardism often critiqued the bourgeoisie and the art establishment of his time. Letters like these help us to explore the complex relationship between an artist and the institutional frameworks that mediate art's reception. By consulting archives and correspondence, we are better to understand the social conditions that shape artistic production.