Aantekening uit archief Philip Zilcken Possibly 1889

This is a page from the archive of Philip Zilcken, an inventory written in April 1889 by an anonymous author. The historical context of this document lies within the late 19th-century art world, a period marked by evolving systems of art collection, valuation, and record-keeping. What we see here is more than just a list; it's a window into the economic and social structures that shape artistic value. The neat columns and careful script speak to the labor involved in cataloging and preserving art, a task often performed by individuals whose contributions remain unacknowledged. Consider how this document reflects issues of class and labor. Who was responsible for creating and maintaining this archive? What was their relationship to the art objects listed, and to figures like Zilcken? The act of pricing and categorizing artworks transforms them into commodities, a process that can both elevate and diminish their cultural significance. This page reminds us that art history is not just about masterpieces and famous names. It's about the networks of people, institutions, and economic forces that determine what gets seen, valued, and remembered.