Brief aan Philip Zilcken 1865 - 1922

This is a letter to Philip Zilcken by Suze Robertson, written in ink, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. While the precise date remains unknown, the contents hint at the inner workings of the art world and the relationships that sustained it. Robertson, a Dutch artist known for her depictions of working-class women, likely penned this note to Zilcken, a prominent art critic, perhaps requesting a favor regarding the titles and prices of her works for a catalogue. In the Netherlands, at this time, artists were navigating a rapidly changing art market and negotiating their place within the established artistic institutions. Robertson’s request underscores the crucial role critics like Zilcken played in shaping an artist's career and public perception. Further study of the correspondence between artists and critics of this period could reveal the complex social networks that influenced artistic success. By examining archival materials, we can better understand the social and institutional context in which artists like Robertson operated.