Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1890 - 1893

Eduard Karsen made this briefkaart, or postcard, to Philip Zilcken in 1890. As an object of everyday communication, this postcard provides insight into Dutch society and culture at the end of the 19th century. The postal markings tell a story of institutional and social life, including a stamp indicating the cost of postage and seals showing the route that it took. The handwriting style reveals aspects of education and class. The address identifies Zilcken as the secretary of the Etch Club, reflecting the rise of artistic societies and their role in shaping the art world. To fully understand the significance of this simple postcard, historians might consult postal archives, membership records of artistic societies, and biographical information about both Karsen and Zilcken. By studying the social and institutional contexts, we can discover more about the cultural life of the Netherlands during this period.