Prentbriefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1915

This postcard to Philip Zilcken was made in 1915 by N.J. Singels, likely using a combination of industrial printing and personal handwriting. What we see here is a fusion of mass production and individual expression. The printed format speaks to the rise of postal services and affordable communication, connecting people across distances with standardized ease. But the handwritten message personalizes this format, infusing it with the sender’s emotions and intentions. The stamp is also interesting as it indicates a system of national identity, governance, and trade. It gives value to this piece of paper, allowing it to travel through established channels. Together, the printed card, the handwritten text, and the postage stamp embody the complex interplay between industrial systems, personal communication, and individual sentiment. Thinking about this postcard invites us to consider how everyday materials like paper, ink, and postage stamps can carry layers of social and personal meaning, reflecting the broader contexts of labor, politics, and consumption.