Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1890 - 1898

Here is a letter by Eduard Karsen to Philip Zilcken, written in Amsterdam on August 28, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The personal correspondence provides a glimpse into the artistic and social networks of the time. Karsen, who lived in a period marked by significant social and artistic change, navigates the dynamics of patronage and artistic exchange. The request for a "shortening of her opening hours" and the mention of a specific sum of money points to the economic realities artists faced, often relying on the support of wealthy individuals or institutions. The informal tone, addressing Zilcken as "Amice" which means friend in Latin, suggests a close relationship and highlights the importance of personal connections in the art world. Karsen's inquiry about settling accounts indicates a concern for financial stability. This letter encapsulates the intersection of artistic practice, personal relationships, and the socio-economic conditions that shaped the lives of artists during this period.