Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1895 - 1899

This letter to Philip Zilcken was written in Leiden, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, by an artist named Cees Verster. It gives us a glimpse into the day-to-day transactions of the art world at that time. Verster writes to a fellow artist about some Japanese paper he bought from Brill, mentioning the price per sheet. He also asks whether Zilcken wants a few samples. The letter demonstrates the networks through which artists in the Netherlands secured their materials. The reference to Japanese paper is particularly interesting. The late 19th century saw a surge in Japonisme, with European artists incorporating Japanese aesthetics and materials into their work. This letter is a small artifact of this cultural exchange. Historical documents such as letters can offer invaluable insight into the social and economic conditions that shaped artistic production. By examining these resources, we can gain a richer understanding of the artistic landscape of the past.