Overlijdensbericht aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1905

This is a printed death announcement from 1905, a stark symbol of mortality. The somber text, typical of such notices, informs the public of the passing of Allegonda Wilhelmina Hendrika at just nineteen years old. Notice the way the announcement is structured and the language used. It's reminiscent of ancient Roman epitaphs. These texts, often inscribed on tombstones, also served to publicly acknowledge loss and commemorate the deceased. This tradition echoes through centuries, evolving from stone carvings to printed announcements, yet the core intention remains the same: to confront and process death through public declaration. There is a deep psychological need to make such announcements, connecting us to shared human experiences of grief. It's a ritual that acknowledges loss and reinforces our connection to community. This small printed card is a potent reminder of life's fleeting nature. A sentiment passed down to us through time.