Prentbriefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1913 - 1915

This postcard was sent to Philip Zilcken by Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande sometime around 1913. It offers a glimpse into the social networks of artists at the turn of the century. The postcard itself, printed in Germany, advertises the "Cercle Artistique" with locations in The Hague, Paris, and Brussels. These were important centers for artistic exchange and exhibition at a time when artists increasingly sought international recognition. The handwritten message on the card provides a personal connection, revealing details about Storm van 's-Gravesande's travels and activities. It mentions an exhibition, expresses good wishes, and refers to other mutual acquaintances. Understanding such ephemera requires us to trace the institutional histories of organizations like the Cercle Artistique. We can explore exhibition catalogs, membership lists, and correspondence between artists to reconstruct the complex web of relationships that shaped artistic production and reception. The role of the historian is to contextualize these personal and professional relationships within broader social and economic structures, reminding us that art is always contingent on its historical moment.