Prentbriefkaart aan Andries Bonger en Anne Marie Louise van der Linden before 1912

This postcard was sent by Emile Bernard to Andries Bonger and Anne Marie Louise van der Linden in 1912. Its material simplicity is deceptive. What starts as a mass-produced card, printed with a generic format in anticipation of widespread use, is transformed by the artist's hand into a unique artifact. The ink, applied with deliberate strokes to convey a personal message, takes on a far greater significance than its base components might suggest. It bridges the gap between sender and recipient, carrying not just information, but also emotion and intent. The postal stamp and markings are also significant; each one involved the labor of countless workers, connecting individuals across geographical distances. By engaging with this everyday medium, Bernard elevates it to a form of intimate expression. This challenges traditional notions of what constitutes ‘art,’ reminding us of the profound impact even the simplest materials can have.