Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1899

This briefkaart, a postcard, sent in 1899 features several layers of symbolic communication. The most striking is perhaps the stamp bearing the profile of a Belgian monarch, a direct link to sovereign authority and national identity. It anchors the card to a specific place and time, yet it’s also a symbol of power that echoes the iconography of rulers throughout history. Consider, too, the postal markings, each a stamp of officialdom, not unlike the seals on ancient documents. These circular stamps, with their dates and locations, are the modern equivalent of a medieval town's seal, marking the passage of time and the card’s journey through the world. Notice the handwritten script, the most intimate mark on this card. Handwriting, especially in a time before ubiquitous typing, carried the unique fingerprint of the sender's personality. As such, handwriting evokes the memory of the sender, engaging us on a deeply personal, almost subconscious level. The symbols on this card highlight the cyclical nature of human communication. Official symbols are juxtaposed with personal handwriting, revealing how the past resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across time.