Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1890 - 1899

This is ‘Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken’ by Jan Vrolijk, a seemingly simple correspondence that encapsulates a moment in time. Made during an era defined by strict social structures, letter writing was an essential form of communication, and a marker of class and education. This particular postcard invites us to consider the intimacy and formality of late 19th-century communication. The careful handwriting hints at a personal connection, yet the printed 'Briefkaart' indicates a public system of exchange. The stamp and postmark connect the sender and receiver to a specific geographical and temporal context. Consider the emotional labor involved in such an exchange. The sender's effort to communicate, the anticipation of the recipient, and the physical journey of the card itself. This artifact provides a small window into the personal lives and social networks of individuals within a specific historical context. As you contemplate this card, reflect on how such intimate yet public forms of communication have evolved, and what these changes say about our relationships to each other today.