Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1892

Wijnand Bastiaan van Horssen sent this briefkaart to Philip Zilcken in 1892. In its time, the humble postcard was not just a means of communication but a reflection of a society undergoing rapid change. Consider the act of corresponding itself. How did one’s class, gender, or access to literacy influence the ability to participate in such a seemingly simple act? The briefkaart becomes more than just a piece of mail; it’s a document hinting at social networks. Zilcken is identified as "Kunsschilder," or Artist, locating him in the cultural milieu of The Hague at the time. The stamps and postmarks on the card are material markers of Dutch identity and state infrastructure. These elements speak to the rise of nationalism and bureaucratic systems. The card invites us to consider the role of art and artists within this historical context.