Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1919

This postcard was sent to Philip Zilcken by N.J. Singels from Utrecht in 1919. It’s not exactly a painting, but let's think about the marks that Singels made with his pen, scratching across the surface of the card. The green printed text feels so official against the brown, worn card. The dark ink of the handwriting looks so neat and considered. I wonder how long it took them to learn how to do that? I bet a calligrapher would admire this. When I look closely at the handwriting, I start to imagine the rhythm of the words and feel for Singels. It’s like I’m there with him, carefully composing the message. Then there’s the stamp—the State paying to help these two communicate. Singels’ signature is scrawled in the top left. This everyday object gives insight into his life. I think of all the letters, packages, and postcards sent over the centuries and the creative exchange that they fostered. It’s a tradition that painters are still participating in today.