Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1888

This is a Briefkaart, or postcard, sent to Philip Zilcken, by Maurits Verveer in 1888. As a material, the humble postcard speaks volumes about the rise of mass communication and the changing social landscape of the late 19th century. Printed on lightweight card stock, this “Briefkaart” enabled quick, cheap communication. The printed text designates its use in the service of modern exchange. See the pre-printed word “BRIEFKAART” – notice the official stamp and the ½ cent postage. Look at Verveer’s address, marked with a stamp as “Photographe du Roi,” and the stamp of the post office in The Hague. The handwritten address speaks to the intimacy between sender and recipient, a personal touch within a new, efficient mode of communication. It is a reminder that even seemingly mundane objects can offer insights into broader historical and cultural shifts. It reflects the democratizing effect of industrialization and its impact on everyday life.