Brief aan Philip Zilcken 1865 - 1922

This letter to Philip Zilcken was penned by Suze Robertson, a Dutch artist whose career blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Robertson was celebrated for her raw and realistic depictions of working-class women and rural life, at a time when the art world was dominated by male perspectives and often idealized portrayals. Robertson's identity as a woman artist undoubtedly influenced her choice of subject matter and her approach. In a society where women's roles were often confined to the domestic sphere, she dared to explore the lives of those who toiled in fields and homes, giving visibility to their struggles and resilience. Robertson did not receive formal artistic training until she was 18, when she enrolled at the Hague Academy. Consider this letter as a moment of connection between two artists navigating the art world of their time. It serves as a reminder of the personal relationships and exchanges that shape artistic careers and the broader cultural landscape.