Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1894

This is a letter from Floris Verster to Philip Zilcken, written in Leiden on February 11, 1894. In it, he mentions his intention to send two 'etages' to the Venice exhibition, along with their measurements. While seemingly informal, such correspondence offers a glimpse into the complex institutional networks governing the art world at the close of the 19th century. Verster, a Dutch artist associated with the Hague School, was likely seeking Zilcken's support in securing a spot in the prestigious international exhibition in Venice. Venice served as a crucial platform for artists to gain recognition and access to the art market. Letters like these reveal the behind-the-scenes negotiations and collaborations that shaped artistic careers and influenced the circulation of art within Europe's burgeoning exhibition culture. To fully understand this letter, one needs to delve into archival materials, exhibition catalogues, and biographies of the artists and figures involved. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional contexts.