Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken

Ernestine Hadkinson made this postcard sometime around the late 19th century; it’s a bit of a mystery in terms of materials, but mostly ink and paper, I’d say. Look at the address scrawled across the front; the loops and flourishes almost seem to dance. You can see the history in the smudges and stamps, like memories layered on top of each other. And the off-center placement of the handwriting gives it a casual, spontaneous feel, like she dashed it off in a moment. It is a reminder that even the most mundane objects can hold a world of emotion and connection. It reminds me of the work of Cy Twombly. Like Twombly, Hadkinson embraces imperfection and chance, creating a work that feels both intimate and universal. The fact that it is a postcard makes it seem less precious than a painting, but it is just as exciting! Ultimately, art invites us to slow down, look closely, and find beauty in the unexpected.