Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1903 - 1905

This letter was written by Herman Heijermans to Philip Zilcken in 1903. Imagine Heijermans penning this note, the ink bleeding slightly into the paper. I’m moved by the directness of the typewritten text, its plea for support cutting through the formality. You can see how the words are chosen with care, each sentence building a case for the urgency of the situation. The texture of the paper, its slight imperfections and the faded ink, give it a tangible sense of history. Look at Heijermans signature at the bottom, looping and confident. I see the artist’s hand, connecting directly with the viewer, and the urgency of his time. Artists throughout history have used their skills to comment on societal problems, from Goya to the Guerilla Girls. It’s like a conversation across generations, each artist adding their voice to the chorus. Painting, like a letter, can be an invitation.