Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1898

Vittorio Pica created this Italian postcard, addressed to Philip Zilcken, at the turn of the 20th century. The Carte Postale, with its pre-printed format, reflects the standardization of communication that was emerging at this time. The Italian coat of arms reminds us of the rising nationalistic sentiment in the early 20th century. Italy was rapidly industrializing, but still grappling with social inequalities. Perhaps Pica, as an art critic, was using this accessible medium to engage in a dialogue about the changing cultural landscape. By studying such artifacts and delving into historical records, we can better understand the social dynamics that shaped both the sender's message and the recipient's world. Art, in this case, becomes a portal into the past, revealing the intricate layers of our shared human experience.