Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1894 - 1898

This is a letter written by Theo van Rysselberghe to Philip Zilcken. It gives us a personal insight into the artistic networks of the late 19th century. Van Rysselberghe, positioned within the progressive circles of Belgian art, communicates here with Zilcken, likely regarding an invitation to an exhibition at Pulchri Studio. The letter hints at the intricate dynamics within the art world, revealing the artist's concerns about the suitability or sufficiency of his work. His mention of drawings and engravings, particularly those related to books, situates his practice within the context of the applied arts. The subtext seems to reveal a certain negotiation of artistic identity and perhaps class, as Van Rysselberghe wonders whether adding some etchings would be deviating a little too much from the program. This personal correspondence, penned by an artist deeply involved in the shifting currents of European art, offers a glimpse into both the formal and the social dimensions of artistic life.