Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1898

This is an addressed postcard by Anton L. Koster, probably made around 1886. Its materials are modest, just paper, ink, and adhesive. But don't be fooled, it shows the great impact of industrial production on everyday life. The standardization of paper and printing allowed for mass communication like never before. The postal system itself, a marvel of logistics, relied on a complex network of human labor and transportation. Note the stamps, and the franking marks – each a testament to the system's efficiency. And the handwriting, so carefully penned, speaks to the personal touch that still persisted in this new, mechanized world. Consider how much work was involved, from the papermaking and printing, to the sorting and delivery, even the humble act of handwriting. These are the things that are often overlooked in art history. Seeing the postal system as part of art history enriches our understanding of its social and cultural significance. It challenges conventional notions of what constitutes art, and to appreciate the beauty and ingenuity of everyday objects.