Prentbriefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1911 - 1916

This postcard to Philip Zilcken was written by Vittorio Pica, a prominent art critic, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The humble materiality of the card itself speaks volumes about the era's burgeoning postal system, an innovation that democratized communication. The handwriting in light green ink, stamps, and postal markings all contribute to its textural richness. These elements show how the work’s function, as a simple everyday means of communication, influences its appearance, imbuing it with cultural significance. The card’s journey – from sender to recipient – involved a network of labor: from postal workers to transportation systems. This highlights the amount of human effort embedded in even the simplest of objects. It’s a reminder that even seemingly mundane items carry within them a complex web of social and economic relationships. The postcard, a simple everyday item, can be elevated to a piece of art when viewed through the lens of its materiality, production, and consumption.