Brief aan Philip Zilcken 1854 - 1926

Curator: We’re looking at a fascinating artifact, a letter simply titled “Brief aan Philip Zilcken,” which translates to “Letter to Philip Zilcken.” The artist is none other than Mary Cassatt, and the date is given as between 1854 and 1926, corresponding with Cassatt’s life. The medium here is pen and ink, which provides insight into Cassatt's thoughts at that time. Editor: It's delicate, almost like glimpsing a private thought. The script is graceful but urgent, creating a sense of immediacy. The ink, now faded, speaks to the passage of time and makes me wonder who Philip Zilcken was and the nature of the communication. Curator: That's a good question. Philip Zilcken was a Dutch artist, critic, and writer, so there must be some sort of contact regarding the catalogue of artwork between them. And while Cassatt is best known as a painter and printmaker, she frequently used drawing as part of her artistic process. Correspondence like this shows an entirely different, more intimate dimension to Cassatt, particularly as she engaged with the art world. Editor: Exactly. Think about what this reveals about women artists and how they worked with galleries or how their pieces got exhibited in that period of history! Here we can see her speaking her mind. Even the casual nature of the pen-and-ink suggests a comfortable relationship—an insightful peek behind the curtain of a famous artist at work! It prompts questions about the support structures that facilitated Impressionism as a movement. Curator: Definitely. This unassuming piece becomes an important piece of art historical evidence! These seemingly small artifacts are what can broaden our view of art's role in its original setting. Editor: I think about the power dynamics inherent in these correspondences, the negotiations, the struggles to be seen and understood as a woman artist… Curator: Precisely. Studying objects such as these open possibilities and discussions concerning Cassatt's position, influence and work as an Impressionist. Editor: Looking closer here really helps me feel a stronger bond with an artist and an art movement I have loved all my life.