Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1930 - 1938

This is a letter written by Léon Paschal, dated August 17th, from The Hague. Although there is no confirmed date of the artwork, Paschal was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the letter is evidence of his social interactions and perhaps his artistic network. The letter begins with polite greetings to "Mon Cher Zilcken" and "Chère Madame," immediately establishing a tone of familiarity and respect, indicative of the social norms of the time. The context of such correspondence is interesting because it reveals the interpersonal dynamics of the European bourgeois at the turn of the century, whose lives revolved around social engagements and cultural exchanges. The body of the letter discusses logistical arrangements, mentioning an individual who is leaving their lodging and inviting the recipients for dinner, specifying available days. The mention of daily routines interspersed with social events gives a glimpse into the balance of everyday life and social expectations. Note Paschal's focus on hospitality, which reflects a set of social and cultural values of the time. Through this letter, we are invited to consider the way in which personal lives intersect with broader social and cultural norms, reminding us that even the most intimate exchanges are reflective of the historical moment.