Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1888

Curator: Here we have Adriaan Pit’s "Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken," likely created before 1888. It’s an ink on paper print. The stamp, the address, even the printed 'Briefkaart' itself—it all points to a specific system of communication. What strikes you about this piece? Editor: Well, it seems incredibly mundane. Like…a shopping list or quick note you might fire off to someone in the late 19th century. What catches my eye is the artistry involved; the calligraphy has such personality. It bridges everyday utility with artistic expression. How should we approach something this seemingly simple? Curator: Let's think about the materiality of this object. Consider the production and distribution of paper at that time. The availability and cost would've impacted everyday communication, and who had access to it. And then, the ink, the printing press that would've stamped “Briefkaart.” Editor: So, not just the handwriting, but the entire process becomes important? The mass-produced card versus the unique hand-written message… Curator: Precisely. Think of this as a document reflecting societal structures: access to postal services, literacy rates, even the value placed on correspondence. Who was Philip Zilcken and what was their relationship with Adriaan Pit? Was this a chore or a joy to send? Was this card valuable to Zilcken, or disposed of without care? These are the questions of historical context. Editor: So we’re less concerned with aesthetic beauty and more interested in what this card reveals about 19th-century Dutch society? Curator: Yes, absolutely. It challenges the boundaries between “high art” and the materials of daily life. Through analyzing materials we can see elements of labor, materiality and social class reflected here. What do you take away from our talk today? Editor: I see it. It's easy to miss the importance of a simple item, especially once taken for granted, but a common object from a past time holds such telling information! Thanks for your perspective!