Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1913 - 1919

This is a postcard sent by Vittorio Pica in 1914, the year of the eleventh Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte della Città di Venezia. The material of the card itself offers insight into the industrialized print-making of the period. Here, we see a combination of mass production and individual expression; printed text and images share space with Pica’s handwritten message, and a postage stamp. The design incorporates carefully chosen typefaces and colors, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the early 20th century. The card’s journey is also a key part of its story. We can trace its path from Venice, through postal markings, to its recipient, Philip Zilcken, in The Hague. Each stamp and impression represents a layer of communication and connection, highlighting the social role of such an object in an age of increasing mobility and exchange. This simple piece of cardstock becomes a fascinating artifact when we consider the broader context of its making, and the traces of human interaction it bears.