Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1924 - 1929

This letter, addressed to Philip Zilcken, was composed by Lya Berger in 1924, probably with pen and ink, and sent from Paris. I wonder what the letter said—was it a love letter, a note of gratitude, or a simple missive between friends? Letters, like paintings, are artifacts of human connection and communication, aren't they? Both invite interpretation and conjecture, and as such, they can be viewed as artistic expressions. The letter is a record of Berger’s hand, her intentions, and the socio-historical context in which she lived. The postmarks, the stamp, and the delicate script all hint at the story it might tell. Berger was surely part of a community of artists who engaged in a constant dialogue, a sort of call-and-response across time and space. Like artists today, she probably drew inspiration from the works of those who came before her, responding to their ideas and techniques in her own unique way. In this sense, “Brief aan Philip Zilcken” becomes more than just a letter; it’s a testament to the enduring power of art to connect us, and to spark our imaginations across generations.