Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1898

This is a letter written by Vittorio Pica to Philip Zilcken, but without knowing the date, we can still appreciate the material qualities and context of its creation. The letter is written on paper, likely using a dip pen and ink. The marks left by the pen reveal the directness and intimacy of handwriting, a stark contrast to the mechanical precision of print. Paper, while a common material, carries its own history of production and consumption. The quality and texture of the paper speak to its value as a commodity, and the ink conveys the immediacy of the correspondence. Pica’s letter also contains a printed emblem. Its presence highlights the contrast between mechanical production, and the individuality of handwriting, imbuing the letter with social and cultural significance. Looking closely at the materials and processes used in its making, we gain insights into the historical context, and social relations embodied in this seemingly simple artifact.