Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1879

This is a postcard to Philip Zilcken by Adriaan Pit. The correspondence is a physical manifestation of social and cultural networks. During this time, the exchange of postcards was a common social practice. It’s a tangible link between individuals, reflecting the importance of personal connections and communication in society. The use of French language points to the cultural milieu of the time, where French was often the language of diplomacy, culture, and the elite. This piece isn’t just about the message, but about the social positioning of the sender and receiver in relation to broader European society. What does it mean for the two men to be communicating in this way? How does the act of sending and receiving shape their identities? Ultimately, the postcard encapsulates a moment in time, reflecting the web of social, cultural, and personal relationships.