Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1892

This Briefkaart, or postcard, was sent to Philip Zilcken in 1892 by A. de Graaf. It's made of processed wood pulp, pressed and cut to a standardized rectangular shape. But the material here isn't just paper; it's also ink, applied in various ways. The printed text, emblems, and postage indicate industrial production, while the handwritten message and address offer a personal touch. Notice the contrast between the uniformity of the pre-printed elements and the unique script. The stamps, too, tell a story. They're evidence of a sophisticated postal system and a culture of communication that was rapidly accelerating at the time. This card represents a moment in history when mass production and individual expression coexisted, shaping how people communicated. Considering materials and making highlights the relationship between industrial systems and intimate forms of communication. In doing so, the card challenges the divide between mass production and the fine arts.