Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1918

Here we have a letter to Philip Zilcken from Laurent Fierens, written in 191- something, the end is unclear. It’s on paper, obviously, with a typewriter font that looks so even and regimented, especially compared to the handwritten signature, which seems to be a quick, almost illegible scrawl. The letter explains that the author had to leave for Belgium unexpectedly with Charles Banerd, and apologises for postponing their meeting due to the flu. The tone is formal and polite, yet there’s something about the choice of words, the apology for catching the flu, that adds a touch of humanity. The physical texture of the paper, its slight imperfections, suggest that the letter is not just a message but a tangible thing with its own story. This reminds me of similar letters that I have found in my family's archives. Letters can reveal so much about people; they are a unique form of art.