Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1897

This briefkaart, or postcard, addressed to Philip Zilcken was created in 1897 by Frederik van Eeden, and is made from paper, ink, and glue. The postcard is an intriguing artifact, an example of the commodification of communication. The mass production of paper, combined with standardized postal rates, democratized correspondence in the late 19th century. The printed text, the stamps, and the postmarks all speak to a system of mass communication, one that relied on a complex web of labor to function. Even the handwriting, a skill taught in schools, reflects a broader effort to standardize communication. Consider the contrast between the mass-produced card and van Eeden's personal message. It is a reminder that even within systems of mass production, individual expression finds a way. By looking at everyday objects like this postcard, we can gain insight into the social and economic forces that shape our lives.