Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1922

This letter was written by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen to Philip Zilcken, likely in 1910. It is made simply, with ink on paper, common materials for correspondence at the time. But don't let the apparent simplicity fool you. The choice of writing by hand rather than typing speaks volumes about the relationship between the two men, hinting at a degree of intimacy and trust that went beyond professional courtesy. The careful strokes of the pen, the personal touch, everything suggests a world where human connection was valued and nurtured. We can consider the work involved in the production of this letter; handwriting involves labor, time, and the writer's emotional effort. This stands in stark contrast to the speed and efficiency of modern communication. Steinlen's letter reminds us that the ways we create and share objects, no matter how humble, are always embedded in social context. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the human relationships that shape our world.