Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1897

This is a postcard to Philip Zilcken written by Octave Maus, likely dating from the late 19th century. Maus was a Belgian lawyer, writer, and artistic entrepreneur who was also a central figure in the Belgian art scene. He promoted progressive artists through his journal "L'Art Moderne" and the exhibitions of "Les XX". This small piece offers us a glimpse into the cultural networks of the avant-garde. Addressed to Zilcken at Villa Hélène in La Haye, the postcard evokes the intimate, personal relationships that sustained artistic movements. Zilcken was a Dutch artist, art critic, and writer who was deeply embedded in the artistic and literary circles of the time. Maus, through his promotion of the avant-garde, challenged the conservative norms of the art establishment, advocating for a more inclusive and forward-thinking cultural landscape. The personal nature of this postcard reveals the intersectional dynamics of friendship, artistic solidarity, and intellectual exchange that fueled the modernist movement. It reminds us that behind every artwork, there's a web of personal connections shaping its creation and reception.