Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1906

This is a letter in French, written by Charles Destrée to Philip Zilcken on the 2nd of May, 1906. It is a congratulatory message for Zilcken's wedding, offering best wishes for happiness. Such an intimate artifact offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the artistic community in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Letters like this circulated among artists, critics, and patrons, forming networks of support and influence. In a pre-digital age, written correspondence played a vital role in fostering intellectual exchange and cementing personal relationships that underpinned the art world. As art historians, we might examine this letter within the context of Destrée's broader career and his connections to other figures. Archival research into personal papers and institutional records helps us to understand the dynamics of artistic production and reception in the past.