Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1897

This letter was written by Arsène Alexandre to Philip Zilcken in Paris, in 1896. It is made of paper, printed with the letterhead of F. Juven & Cie, Éditeurs, and handwritten in ink. The choice of materials speaks volumes. In the late 19th century, paper was becoming increasingly industrialized, reflecting the rise of mass communication. This letterhead, with its list of publications, is a testament to the burgeoning print industry. Yet, the handwritten script adds a personal touch, a human element in an age of mechanical reproduction. Consider the labor involved: from the harvesting of raw materials for paper to the skilled hand of the typesetter and the author’s penmanship. Each stage represents a different form of work, a different relationship to the means of production. The act of writing itself can be seen as a form of craft, a skilled practice honed through years of education. In appreciating this letter, we recognize the significance of materials, making, and context, understanding the full meaning beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.