Envelop aan Philip Zilcken before 1898

This is an envelope to Philip Zilcken, part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Though anonymous, the sender gives us a glimpse into the cultural milieu of the early 20th century. The address, carefully penned, speaks to a world steeped in formality and social hierarchy, evident in the honorific "Welldgeb. Heer" which translates to "Well-born Sir." It suggests a society where class distinctions were not merely economic, but deeply ingrained in everyday interactions. What kind of communication did this envelope contain? Was it an invitation, a business proposition, or perhaps a personal declaration? The year 1921 marked a period of rebuilding after the First World War, a time of both hope and anxiety as societies grappled with the aftermath of unprecedented loss and change. We’re left to ponder what role Zilcken played in this era, and what stories this simple piece of mail holds within it.