Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1913

This is a briefkaart, or postcard, sent by Anton L. Koster to Philip Zilcken, a fellow artist in The Hague. Though undated, the stamps tell us it was produced in the Netherlands between 1914 and 1921. During this time, Dutch society was grappling with the impacts of World War I. Although the Netherlands remained neutral, the war cast a long shadow, influencing daily life and artistic expression. This postcard offers a fleeting glimpse into the artistic networks of the time. The handwritten message hints at a shared world of artistic and journalistic acquaintances and perhaps, a bit of social networking. Consider the role of such correspondence in building artistic communities and fostering creative exchange. What kind of emotional or professional support was conveyed through such brief messages? The postcard format itself democratized art, making it more accessible and portable. It reflects the period’s shifting social dynamics and evolving communication methods.