Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1890

This is a postcard to Philip Zilcken, written by Louis Couperus. Though undated, the postmark suggests it was sent at the turn of the century. Couperus, writing during a period of significant social and political change in the Netherlands, offers us insight into the experiences of a man who lived as an outsider in Dutch society. As an openly gay man in a time when homosexuality was heavily stigmatized, Couperus provides a glimpse into the intersectional challenges of the era. His writings often touched on themes of identity, societal expectations, and the search for personal fulfillment, reflecting his own struggles with societal norms and expectations. Couperus lived much of his life abroad, and once wrote "I have always felt like an alien in this world." While a brief correspondence, the postcard carries a potent emotional charge. It reflects both the personal struggles and the broader societal issues that shaped the identities and experiences of individuals navigating a complex social landscape.