Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1913 - 1928

Editor: So, here we have "Brief aan Philip Zilcken," which translates to "Letter to Philip Zilcken." It’s thought to be from somewhere between 1913 and 1928, by Hélène van Goethem. It's ink on paper, a drawing with beautiful calligraphy, like a portrait of words. It feels…personal, you know? Intimate. What strikes you most when you look at this piece? Curator: The script itself dances, doesn't it? It feels almost alive, a direct conduit to the artist's thoughts and feelings. Calligraphy, especially, it's like watching someone’s soul move across the page. I get lost in wondering, who was Philip Zilcken? What was so important that she poured this out in ink? It’s interesting how seemingly mundane, everyday writing transforms into art simply because we are viewing it in this setting. I can almost imagine Hélène hunched over a desk, her brow furrowed in concentration as she formed each letter, do you get that too? Editor: Definitely! You can almost feel her presence. The imperfections make it feel authentic. It makes me wonder about their relationship…the specific 'embarrassment' she refers to regarding a question, the artistic circles… It’s like a tiny glimpse into a whole world. Curator: Exactly. The unfinished thought gives us freedom to imagine. Isn't it amazing how such a simple medium like ink can capture so much about a time, a person, a relationship? These little portals can be as evocative as any grand painting. It is almost as if it’s unfinished to the viewer as we continue to wonder, ‘What does it all mean?” Editor: I never thought about handwriting being a medium itself, like drawing or painting. Curator: Well, isn't everything an art form, in some way? We only need to train our minds and eyes. I’ve certainly developed a new appreciation for snail mail!