Visitekaartje aan Philip Zilcken 1851 - 1924

This calling card was written by Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande to Philip Zilcken, though we don't know exactly when. It’s made with pencil on paper, humble materials for such a personalized message. Notice the immediacy of the handwriting, the marks flowing across the surface; it’s a casual yet deliberate act, showing a kind of intimacy of thought. It's not just about the words themselves, but also about the way they are inscribed. The cursive script reflects a tradition of penmanship, where skill and elegance were valued. The simplicity of the materials – pencil and paper – contrasts with the social formality of a calling card, and the careful way the artist made the card reflects social class and the labor of communication in a pre-digital age. This piece demonstrates the value of craft and the human touch, reminding us that even everyday objects can carry significant social meaning. It's a direct connection to a specific moment in time, and to the relationship between these two individuals.