Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1892

This envelope addressed by Matthijs Maris carries more than just a written message; it carries symbols of connection and correspondence. Note the postage stamps, uniform and repetitive, each bearing the visage of authority. Stamps, like currency, are icons of a state's power, small emblems of a larger, controlling entity. The act of franking a letter becomes a ritual—a small tribute paid to ensure passage and delivery. Think of ancient votive offerings, or medieval heraldry displayed on shields. Here, the stamps are secular talismans of safe passage. Consider how such mundane objects become imbued with deep personal meaning. A letter, like a carefully crafted image, transcends its material form, bearing the hopes, fears, and yearnings of its creator. This seemingly simple envelope is a testament to the enduring human need to communicate, to bridge distances, and to leave a mark upon the world.