Prentbriefkaart aan Anne Marie Louise van der Linden before 1908

This postcard was written in 1908 by Emile Bernard to Anne Marie Louise van der Linden. Made with paper, ink, and a pre-printed design, it embodies the rise of mass communication at the turn of the century. The card itself is a product of industrial printing, a far cry from the hand-painted letters of previous eras. Bernard's handwritten message, penned in flowing script, adds a personal touch to this standardized form. The postal stamp and address block further highlight the card's function within a vast network of exchange and distribution. The postcard represents the intersection of art and everyday life, and the growing accessibility of both to a wider public. While Bernard was a trained artist, he embraced the democratic potential of this humble medium, using it to connect with friends and share his impressions of the world. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of objects can carry significant cultural weight.