Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1894

This is a letter by the Dutch artist Simon Moulijn, written in The Hague in 1899. It's addressed to Philip Zilcken, likely a figure of some influence in the art world, and the text reveals Moulijn's concern with how his art would be received by the public. Moulijn mentions that he had heard that Zilcken intended to write about his work in "The Studio", an important art journal at the time. He hopes to speak to Zilcken about his "flattering plan" to include a couple of reproductions. The letter shows the artist's awareness of the institutional and social structures that shape artistic production and reception. It highlights the power of art journals and critics in shaping an artist's career, and encourages us to consider the social conditions and power dynamics at play in the art world of the late 19th century. Letters and journals, alongside exhibition reviews, are vital resources for understanding the reception and social impact of art in its time.