Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1897

This handwritten letter was composed in Paris on March 17, 1896 by Frédéric-Auguste Cazals to Philip Zilcken, a Dutch artist, writer, and art critic. Cazals was deeply embedded in the artistic and literary circles of late 19th-century France. This letter provides insight into the cultural networks and collaborative efforts within the Parisian avant-garde and their outreach to other parts of Europe. It references a conference-concert in Brussels, which was organized to benefit a monument to Paul Verlaine, a leading poet of the Symbolist movement. The letter reveals the intersection of artistic movements across national boundaries, with Cazals actively seeking Zilcken's assistance in Holland. These exchanges reflect the interconnectedness of the art world at the time, and the collective endeavor to honor Verlaine's legacy. This letter shows the cultural dynamics of the era and the collaborative spirit of artists and writers seeking to commemorate their peers and influence the broader artistic landscape.