Krantenknipsel uit archief Philip Zilcken Possibly 1892

This is a newspaper clipping from the archive of Philip Zilcken, dating back to November 20, 1892. “La Libre Critique” was a publication dedicated to art and literature, indicative of the fin-de-siècle interest in esoteric and symbolist ideas. The clipping features an article on Joséphin Péladan, a key figure in the French Symbolist movement. Péladan was known for his mystical approach to art and his revival of Rosicrucianism, a philosophical secret society, within an artistic context. The article highlights Péladan’s association with the “Association magico-labbilistique,” his founding of the Groupe Péladan and his creation of the Rose-Croix catholique. The language used in the article, emphasizing terms like "mysticism" and "esotericism", reflects a broader cultural fascination with spirituality. The article sheds light on the intersection of art, religion, and secret societies in late 19th-century Europe. It also underscores how artists like Péladan sought to imbue their work with deeper, often hidden, meanings.