Krantenknipsel uit archief Philip Zilcken Possibly 1904

This anonymous newspaper clipping from the Philip Zilcken archive is held at the Rijksmuseum. The printed text, arranged in neat columns, speaks to the human desire to record, disseminate, and interpret the events that shape our world. The very act of clipping suggests a focused intent, singling out specific narratives. This act mirrors humanity’s age-old habit of extracting meaning and preserving what resonates most deeply. Much like ancient inscriptions on stone, this clipping serves as a relic, carrying stories from its time. Consider how, throughout history, humanity has sought to preserve knowledge—from the Epic of Gilgamesh inscribed on clay tablets to digital archives. This impulse echoes in our collective memory, each act of recording and preserving shaping our understanding of the world. The humble newspaper clipping thus becomes a symbol of our enduring quest to make sense of our existence.