Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1898

This is Émile Durand-Gréville's "Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken," a piece of correspondence dating back to 1886. As a painter and illustrator, Durand-Gréville's artistic practice intersects with his social interactions, blurring the lines between personal and public life. The act of sending a postcard in the late 19th century was deeply entwined with societal norms and class distinctions. Etiquette dictated the language and tone used, reflecting the sender's social standing and relationship with the recipient. The very act of corresponding speaks volumes about access, education, and social circles during the Belle Époque. This simple piece of mail evokes a sense of intimacy; a desire to connect across distances. It brings us closer to understanding identity as something negotiated through everyday exchanges. While modest in scale, this briefkaart unveils a complex network of social connections and hierarchies.